HIBRAUOFCO^^GRESS,! 




I UNITED STATES OF AMEIMCA. t 



1! 




LOIS. L, MURRAY 



INCIDENTS 



OF 



IN TWO PARTS. ^^- / ^ 



COXTAmiNG RELIGIOUS INCIDENTS AND MORAL COM 

MENT, RELATING TO VARIOUS OCCURRENCES, EVILS 

OF INTEMPERANCE, AND HISTORICAL AND 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

BYMR8. LOIS L. MURRAY. 



WRITTEN FKO.>r rKKSONAI. EXIVERIKXCE AND ANCESIKAL A( 
COUNT OR CERTAIN KNOWLElXiE, IN THE YEAR 1S7S. 




GOSHEN, INDIANA : 

EV. UNITED MENNONITE PUBLISHING HolSE. 

1880. 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the j-ear 1879, by 

LOIS L. MUllRAY, 
In the Ofllce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 

All rights reserved. 



PREFACE. 



From a sense of the tender mercy and love of 
our heavenly Father, I have desired to write some 
of the consolations of grace ; and have felt that it 
were ingratitude not thus to do. Some acquaint- 
ances and friends in the state of Kansas, remarked 
to me, that I ought to write some account of my 
"Frontier Life" in that State. And as earthly 
treasures have seemed to vanish from my view, 
and many of the cares of life with the same, I have 
thought proper to offer as a memento some of the 
observations and remembrances of life, commenc- 
ing with an authentic account of the first settle- 
ment of Granville, Ohio, in which my ancestors 
have acted a part ; then I have followed with re- 
membrances of cliildhood, and incidents of the 
same, and have spoken without enlargement on 
any detail, but have given mere facts without va- 
riation. 

I have sketched a little along through maturer 
life, and have detailed some accounts of the In- 
dians and, the dangers and trials of my frontier 
life. I have spoken of grasshoppers and drouths, 



IV. PREFACE. 

with a sketch of some things which might be 
classed under the head of Dangers and Trials. 

I have made mention of some serious evils, 
which have come under my notice, and have made 
some comment on a variety of those things which 
have occurred within my notice. I have spoken 
of friends and broken ties, of the uncertainty of 
earthly things, and of a home in heaven. 

Also of the progress and imprvements of civili- 
zation; and closed with a journey on the cars, 
and some additional remarks ; and if anything 
beneficial to anyone has been said, to Him that 
holdeth the stars in his right hand, be all the 
praise. 



CONTENTS. 



PART MRST. 

CHAPTER. 

A Colony 1 

111 llliymo, tlic IJiibe, tlu' Home o 

Dusky Visions, tlic Wolvos ;■{ 

The Sugar Camp 4 

Rest in a Tree f, 

A Bride 

A Feast 7 

Infancy S 

My Fatlier () 

A Dream, a Text 10 

A Fight 11 

Left to her Fate 12 

The Shive of Rnm l;» 

Poor Man, I will give yon Food 1 j^ 

A Pledge 15 

Grandmother's Story K", 

A Protracted Meeting I7 

Heavenly View IS 

A Dream 19 

The Swearer 20 

Returning from the Orchard 21 

When Fifteen Years of Age 22 



VI. CONTENTS. — PAST FIRST. 

A Convention 23 

A Child, a Jewel 24 

The Trumpet Sound 25 

Going Home, the Christian 26 

A Sleigh-ride, a Wish 27 

Christian Converse, Experience 28 

Removal ; Sketches by the Way 29 

My Eldest Brother, a Rest 30 

Providences, Afflictions, a Sacred Charge 31 

Dear Father 32 

A Sister on California Shores 33 



PART SECOND. 



CHAPTER. 

On the Cars, on the Boat 1 

A Great Pet, a Black Cook 2 

An Explosion 3 

Dark Stairs 4 

In Kansas 5 

The First Indians 6 

Cabin Home 7 

Two Squaws 8 

We Counted Seventy-five, and still they Came 9 

In Iowa, Much Loss, Return, Buffaloes. 10 

Afflictions 11 

A Dark Cloud, an Adventure 12 

A Prairie Fire and Loss 13 

A Poor Indian, 14 

Dcgredation 15 

A Floor of Rock , 16 

An Indian, a Whip 17 

The Squaws : "Give me that Cup." 18 

The Indian Lullaby. 19 

They Wanted Whiskey. Stratigem, the Wicked 20 

Chasing Wolves 21 

Mr. Gray Coat 22 

An Invitation, a Sabbath-school 23 

Reading Sermons, Singing, Celebration 24 

No Machinery, Heavy Toil 25 

t 



Vlll. COXTENTS. PART SKCOM). 

CHAPTER. 

Prairie Fire, God's Help 26 

What we had for Food 27 

He Went to Mill, Eleven Days Absent 28 

In all our Walks and Labors Happy 2i) 

Through a Snow-bank and got Wood liO 

lied Paint, War Songs :)1 

Cedar Creek, Snow Storm 82 

Four Savages • . HH 

Met the Cannon's Roar 84 

Doleful Lamentations . 35 

A Journey, a Powwow, and Burial 8(1 

Texas and Mexican Trains. A Farce 87 

A Pair of Moccasins 88 

"Sister, Please Give me a Cup of Water." 81) 

Dried in Indian Style 40 

He Came for Protection 41 

They had Ashes on Their Heads 42 

Four Savages Pulled him. From his Horse 48 

A Train Eobbed. . . . : ! 44 

A Stolen Animal 4.") 

An Indian Feast 40 

Antelope and Turkeys 47 

Scalps of Enemies 48 

A Flight From Savages ^ 49 

Savage Indians, a Race for Life HO 

On a Stormy Sea, Testimony 51 

Mr. G., Flight, Loss, and Danger. . 52 

The Threat, the Conclusion 58 

The Soldiers, the Indians 54 

The Walk, the Mission 55 

Pious Council, Wooden Shoes 56 

A Dream, an Organization 57 

Dear Mary, a Minister, a Quarterly Meeting 58 



CONTKNTS. — PARI' SKi^OND. IXi 

CHAPTER. 

Captain £. F. Abbott Killed 59 

Afflictions. Conference sent a Preacher ■ . . . . CA) 

Family Afflictions. Brother F. and Danghter 61 

(Irasshoppers, I'light from Indians 62 

Severe Winter, Loss 63 

Cultivation, Drouths, Grasshoppers 64 

Mrs. Green's Story 65 

Prairie Fire, Distressing Scene 66 

Sense of Duty, The Sick 67 

Four Savages. "Where is White Man." 68 

Five Indians, Stolen Horses 69 

Six Serpents 7fl 

The Children's Fright 71 

A .Texas Ox, Danger 72 

Indian Johnson, A Wild Pony, Indians 78 

Milling Expedition, Mr. Gibson 74 

Sister Brown, a Letter, Poetry 75 

A Minister's Visit, a New Dwelling 76 

A Bioken Tie, Mary's Death 77 

iSIy Children's Loss, a Railroad, Boarders 78 

A Texan, Ruffians at Newton ; . 79 

An Impression, a Sound, a Skeleton 80 

Trials : House in Flames 81 

An Ab.sent Son, Freezing to Death 82 

Grasshoppers, Losses, a Visit, our Relatives, a Terrible Vis- 
itation. A Dying Charge, An Acquaintance 88 

\\\ Adi' u. Kansas Home. 84 

Alone Again. Heroism, Uncivility 85 

Slie Changed he'r Name. Patrimony 86 

Afflictions, Change of Residence 87 

Within the Cars, Observations 88 

A Lady, Union Flag, Penitentiary 89 

At Mother's Home in Goshen 9(» 



JC. CONTENTS. — PART SECOND. 

CBAFIER. 

A Journey ' 91 

New Country 92 

The Reckless 93 

Visiting the Sick, Religion 94 

The Prayer of Faith 95 

A Guide 96 




PART FIRST. 



CHAPTER L— A COLONY. 

One morning in the year 1807, a company of 
thirty families, in New England, near the line of 
Connecticut and Massachusetts, citizens of the 
towns of Granville and Granby, were seen bidding 
their friends and neighbors a long adieu. 

They then entered their vehicles, and turned 
their faces westward, firm with the spirit of en- 
terprise and hope, as to a home in central Ohio, 
which was then a wilderness, inhabited by roving 
tribes of Indians ; also the abode of the turkey, 
deer, panther, bear, and wolf, and covered with 
heavy timber, very unlike the prairies of our more 
western lands. 

As these devoted emigrants moved onward, o'er 
hill and valley, mountain or river, they often halt- 
ed to prepare the hasty repast, and allow their 
wearied teams to regale themselves with food and 
rest ; and when the preparations of the hour were 
over, thanksgivings resounded to the God of all 
grace and blessings, as they remembered the di- 
vine command, to be thankful ; and when the 
shades of night fell around them, the voice of a 
beloved pastor was heard on the evening air : re- 



1^ fXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LiFE. 

turning thanks for preservations during the day, 
and supplicating the blessing of Almighty God 
on the slumbers of the little flock of wearied trav- 
elers ; and when the golden rays of light illumed 
the horizon around them, with the divine blessing 
of Providence, they pressed onward. 

Pastor and school teacher, parents, youths, and 
little children, all chasing the wild scenery, sing- 
ing, conversing, and listening to the wild echoes. 

(The colony above mentioned stopped every 
Sabbath during their journey ; and their minister 
delivered them an address from the revealed will 
of Grod, and instructed the youth of the company 
in the form of Sabbath school.) 



CHAPTER II.-IN RHYME, THE BABE, 
THE HOME. 

And now a rhyme within these cohimns I will pen. 
A little sleeping babe, within a covered willow 

basket lay. 
Which to the wagon bows was firmly bound ; 
And swaying to and fro, the child rocked to sleep ; 
But as a mountain high they climbed. 
The coupling of the carriage disengaged became. 
When backward rolling, quickly overturned ; 
Then anxious parents hastily sought their child. 
They found it, still with peaceful slumbers blest. 
That babe, a woman now of seventy years, 
My mother I do call. 
But to my story now I turn, and trace 
Those emigrants to their new found home. 
There behold them, on the ground 
Now called Granville, Licking county, Ohio. 
Then a friendly In-other's help was given, 
Till all that colony a domicile could call their own; 
And then, unitedly a church and school house, 
All in one they raised. 
That colony of Presbyterian order- 
Yet what matters it, by what name 
Here on earth we are (tailed. 



14 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

If that new name, which only they can know 

Who do receive, be oiiry : 

A ticket, or a title to that blest home, 

Beyond the etherial blue. 

But lo ! consumption followed with a stealthy tread, 

And laid its chilling grasp on one, 

Beloved by all that little band. 

The junior, ^Samuel Everiett named : 

Colonial contracts, his employment was to fill— 

His pen he held, as long as failing strength allowed, 

Then another held the pen, 

While he instructions gave. 

But oh! death pressed him on apace ; 

And then the weeping partner he did cheer, 

And bade her meet him in the better land. 

"My children," he cried, 

"So live, that you may meet your Father, 

When this short life is done : 

Where sorrow never enters. 

But my dear babe— hold her near, 

That I may a fathers blessing give. 

While on her head my hand I lay. 

Oh! Father, God, I pray thee bless my c-hild. 

And guide her to the realms of endless day. 

There may these dear ones meet. 

In one unbroken band, when time with them is o'er : 

*Samuel Everiett bought the hiiid where (Tranville, Ohio, is 
located, for a New Enghiiid colouy, and transtujted the business 
of the same, till death closed the scene, 



PART FIRST. 15 

But Oh! the angels call, I to my Savior go- 
Adieu, loved ones, adieu !" 

Oh! see the elder sire, the fatherland grand-father. 
While he bows submissive near, his marble child. 
He cries, ''My Father, God, thy will be done. 
A little longer here I stay, then I Avill meet 
My angel child in heaven above!'' 
He stayed eleven years more, and then 
The youngest grandchild called and said: 
"I go to that bright land where angels dwell. 
Be faithful to the truth and right, 
And I request thee, dearest c^hild, to learn those 
blessed lines : 

'Ashamed of Jesus, just as soon, 

Let midnight be ashamed of noon. 

No, when I blush, be this my shame. 

That I no more revere His name. 

'Ashamed of Jesus, sooner far. 

Let evening blush to own a star. 

Tis midnight with my soul till He, 

Bright Morning Star, bid darkness flee.' " 
He no longer could converse, for by the ic-y hand 
Of death, his voice was hushed ; 
And then the pearly gates of the celestial V\t\\ 
Opened wide, to let the ransomed one 
With all the holy angels join. 
And as we near the gates of heaven stand. 
To watch the ransomed enter. Oh! let us turn 
And look, for there are wandering ones 



16 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

Still on the boistrous ^ea of life. 

The widow and the fatherless : 

Sustaining gTa(*e and help the widow's God affords; 

For with eight children, left in country new, 

The youngest only eighteen months had numbered; 

When like a lonely bird without a mate, 

The little ones unfledged, the widow lone. 

With toils incessant, never seemed to tire. 

The distaff she did hold, 

And wool and flax transformed to yarn and cloth. 

Her family did cloth. 



AIM' I'lKST. 17 



CHAPTER IIL-DUSKV VISIONS, THK 
WOLVES. 

But \verv3 tliyre not t^onie tliiiiK!^, to fri.^lit Ik a* un- 
fledged birds i 

O yet^, and one dark nig-lit a pet calf cried 

Mo.>^t bitt:^rly. She said. ''I will rj and see." 

Bat to her dres:^, two children hun.i'- and cried, 

'"OliI mother stay/' 

And on the marrow, all that oi" tludr pet remained. 

Was just its hide rolled up. 

The bears had carried all els i far away. 

But hark I Indian wars in i)rogress are. 

And oft this family forbear throughout tlu^ ni,i>ht 
t:) sleej). 

As dusky visions, b^th in real and in fancy mc(4. 

The friendly Indian hides his i>un. 

While to the cabin he repairs. 

But lo ! (me night an Indian sentinal stood, 

With hatchet on his shoulder raisiMJ. 

Glittering- in the moonli.qht l~)eams. 

They watched all ni.^lit : 

But in the mornin,^-, lo I a loity stump, 

With spider web and dew upon tlie top. 

After a time mon^ pi^ar-e did rei.^n, and less of fi^ar ; 



IS INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER I.IFK. 

Then a little girl was seen, her mother's house to 

leave, 
A sister's home to find. 
Across the woods with liasty steps she flew, 
Till suddenly, three large dogs she spied — 
She stopped and scarcely dared to draw a breath. 
For oh ! those dogs might liarm ; 
But on they sped, the liarmless deer to find ; 
Then the child with speed bafore untold, 
Her sister's home did gain : 
But hark ! the wolves her tra(?k had found ; 
And to the house they came and round it howled. 



rAKT FIKST. 11) 



(CHAPTER IV.-THE SUGAR CAMP. 

And when the time to make the maple sugar came, 
Two children in the woods all night remained. 
They watched the fire — the syrup down to sugar 

boiled. 
A tent was spread, and all was closed around : 
But just a door, near which a fire was built ; 
iVnd when a growling bear they heard, 
( )r prowling wolf around, 
They did the fire-brands throw, and heaped 
More fuel on their fires, to fright the wild away. 
Sometimes the mother came with light in hand : 
And oft the shell-bark hickory torch, 
More safe their pathway made. 
Until th-^ir mother's house tliev gained. 



:>() IXCIDKXTS OF FROXTIKK LIFK 



CHAPTER v.— REST IN A TR EH 

<.)ne clay a man came to their home and said : 
Last night I took my rest in the branches of a tree 
For when from neighbjr s honse I late returned, 
The .glaring- eyes, and snapping teeth around. 
Did tell me you had better get from off the ground 
And in the morning- 1 could see. 
The hungry wolves had knawed the bark. 
AH round the bottom of mv tree. 



I'AKT FIRST. 



CHAPTER VL— A BRIDE. 

Hut now eiiouKli of this, we will otlitn' tli()ii,L»litf^ 

engage ; 
And while we entertain, may we instruction finch 
The widow Everiett her eight children reared : 
Till in maturer years they found their mates. 
And perched within their own dear homes. 
Just seventeen summers o'er, the youngest child 

had passed. 
When she, a l^lushing bride did stand ; 
And while God's blessing, their pastor did implore. 
Her hand was held by hmi, 

With whom for many years, life's i)aths she trod. 
The bride-groom, I. F. Abl:)ott from New England 
Had come and won his bride ; 
And "T, their eldest child, do pen these lines. 



*Tho original name of the writer was Lois Lovina Abbott, 
born March 3(1, 1826. 



INi'lDEN'lS <>y FHOXTIEK I.Il K. 



CHAPTER VII.-A FEAST. 

And when fifteen years more had fled, 

I to an uncle's house did go : 

My grandmother and her eight children saw. 

And their companions too, 

All seated at one table, with grandmother at the 
head ; 

And with the rest, a minister of God, 

Who thanks returned to the almighty Giver of all 
good — 

And truly bountiful and nice was all : 

We cannot here enumerate so much. 

For turkey, pie, and cake, was only .just a part : 

And when the bounteous table rearranged be- 
(•ame. 

Many cousins side by side, with each 

A cui) of sparkling water standing by their plate : 

And ministers with lifted hand God'^ blessing- 
claimed. 

This visit o'er, they in carricige procession 

To another dwelling went : 

Tlu^ cousins at another uncles home arrived. 

Their i)arents tliere, a feast, again they found i)re- 
pared ; 



T'AUT FIKST. ■!■, 

But oh! they parted, in such numbei^^, 

Ne'er to meet asfaiii ; 

And that dear mother, who for more tlian forty 

years, 
A widow's pathway trod, 

Has went to meet her loved eomi)anion, k)ni>aKo : 
And of her (-hildren four have passed the pearly 

gates. 
And four more waiting stand. 
On Jordan's brink. 
And of those cousins who with sijarkling eyes and 

glowing cheeks, 
The family feasts adorned, 
A few have passed away ; 
While others still are left to tread these mortal 

shores ; 
But are their names all written in the Book of 

Life i 
A part that witness have, which Enoch did possess: 
And oh! that all who mortal are, 
Might of salvation's current drink. 
That they miglit thirst no more. 
A Savior's smiles, a Father recoiudled, 
A Christ within the soul— a faith how s\v(^et. 



iNCiDKNTS (IF FFIONTIEK I.IFK. 



CHAPTER VIII.-INFANCY. 

And now 1 will to infancy return, 

And there a mother's smile, 

While on her child she looked I greet ; 

And then my little chair I drew aside, 

And l:)y it lx)wed, to say my infant prayer. 

But disobedience and self-will in Adam's race is 

surely found ; 
And up the steps so very high and steep I climed, 
And hid behind the door, till lady left the room ; 
Then thought I would do the same, 
And one step taken, down I rolled. 
The next I knew, I lay on my fathers lap, 
Like a helpless babe. 

Whilst father wiped blood from off my face. 
And now let us of riper years a lesson take, 
And ne'er our heavenly Father disobey. 
For sin brings sorrow every where; 
But if we are led and helped by God's own hand. 
We will safely tread this rough world through. 



I'AUr 1-JRS1-. 



CHAPTER IX.-MY FATHER. 

While seated in my father's arms, lie told his little 
Girl of Jesus, who for sinners died on Calvary: 
For me, yes even me, his little child; 
Then I Avept, but they were precious tears: 
So much of sympathy for him who died for me. 
A school teacher l^oarded at my father's house, 
And very young I learned to read; 
But little follies I remembered, and l^ad examples 
saw. 



20 IXCIDEXTS OF I-RONTIKR I.IFK. 



CHAPTER X.-A DREAM, A TEXT. 

One night I thought the judgment clay had come, 

And tried from God to hide ; 

Then I dreamed again that God and ministers 
followed me, 

As I from them did run ; 

But soon one picked me up, 

And in his arms he carried me, a little child. 

Soon after this I sat upon a school-house bench, . 

And heard a pale patient minister of God pro- 
nounce these words : 

"Come unto me, all ye that heavy laden are. 

And I will give you rest/' 

Now if you will read the three last verses 

( )f the eleventli chapter of St. Matthew, 

You will have all the text. 

To a Sahhath-scho:)! I went, and tliere received 
mi-e good books, 

WTiich did in my young mind the same insi)ire : 

And in the chamber all alone with God, 

My little hands before me clasped, 

I ])rayed and know that Jesus heard. 

When I had learned to write. 

To my mother I a letter gave ; 



TAKT FIRST. 



And within it I had wrote, "Oh! Mother dear. 
To me yon have been kind, and for nie doin- 

much : 
I thank thee, and may I be ever kind to thee." 
I ran to hide, but mother called me back, and said, 
A letter write and to your grandmother it shall 

be sent. 




INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XI.-A FIGHT. 

One day in a porch that was just pailed around, 
I f^tood and saw drunken men in the street ; 
With clothing torn and stained with l^lood, 
Like beasts in human form— 
They struck, and l)it, and gouged each others eyes ; 
And one was nearly blind the remainder of his 

life. 
My mother came into that porch, 
And little sister standing l)y, said, "Oh! ma, 
Do not those men know that God can see ?" 
But ah! they were blinded by alcohol, 
And little knew, but just to fight. 
How bitterly by satan led,his weapon firey alcohol. 



I 



I'MIT KIK.-r. 



CHAPTER XII.— LEFT TO HEK FATE. 

Into a'lstore I went, there a woman sat already 

drunk. 
And still for whiskey begged : 
"Oh let me have just one glass more." 
No wonder that a child 
A sight so dismal would rememl^er. 
But this was not the last, of that woman to lie told : 
For once she took her little babe. 
And horse-back went to town : 
The father sought the babe, and found it by tin- 

road— 
The horse was feeding near : 
And drunken mother, partly in a nnid-pond layl 
The father tcok the babe. 
And left the drunken woman to lua- fat(\ 



;^.0 IN<1I)KNT.S OF FKONIIKR LIFK. 



(^HAPTER.-XIII THE SLAVE OF RUM. 

The past would not suffice, 

The slave must go again : 

As she from town returned, 

Whild passing through a woods, 

She fell upon the ground — dead drunk : 

Then wolves were seen to cover something ui) ; 

And when two persons went to see what the 

wolves had found, 
There was Mrs. D. all ('overevd up with leaves. 
When they went to take the woman home, 
Near twenty wolves were coming round— 
They shot and robbed the hungry wolves. 
Perhaps you say, 'They robbed the wolves too 

much!" 
And oh! how ])ase and low ; 
And yet the truth has not half l^een told! 
For oh! the misery intemperance brings on such 

a family — 
We should not taste the i^oisonous cup, 
L::*st the serpent's fangs be fastened on our souls. 
May God our country save, 
From all that l:)lasts, and blights, for Jesus' sake. 



I'Ain FIRST. ;n 



CH AFTER XIV.-I WILL GIVE YOU FOOD. 

I saw one, who was called a tavern-keeper. 

Kick an old man, with silvery locks, 

Off from his porch ; 

Then whipped him with a heavy whip, 

And knocked his head npon the ground ; 

Tlien threw a bucket of water on him as he lay. 

The tavern-keeper had got the old man's money— 

That was all he cared. 

My mother called across the way : 

''Mr. M., if you will come to my hack door, 

I will give you tea and food. 

He (-rawled upon his hands and knees, across the 

street, 
And after eating, soberness returned ; 
Then the good advice my mother gave. 
Was much and thankfully received. 
While tears rolled down his face. 
On a temperance pledge he wrote his name. 
And never was drunk again. 
Did Jesus come, sinners to save { 
Oil! yes, the vilest of the vile. 



INCIDIN r> OK FK').\'1II:K l.IFK 



(CHAPTER XV.-A PLEDGE. 

A young man fifteen yeart^ of age, 

A tern Iterance i)ledge took round our town, 

And cliildien over e^ix, and under fourteen signed 

the ijledge : 
And a weekly temi-eranee class was held. 
( )ur leader i)rayed Almighty God to bless, 
Then asked each their mind on temi^erance to 

speaL. 
A reform, was soon l^rought round, 
And now that town, is for ])iety and temi)erance* 

famed. 



TAUT FiiisT. ;);i 



CHAPTER XVL-GRANDMOTHP^R 8 8T0RV. 

I well reinembc3r the ccjunteiianoe of my a.yed 

grandmother : 

Fair almost like a child. 

Her hair had blossomed for the grAve, 

And oft when wintry winds the snow drif t:^ pile 1, 

She out the winiiw lo Dk^d and sighed, th^n slid, 

't)h how my li^arl: a dies for the stiff aring \)i:y: 

One night when in Conneoticut I dwelt, 

The -wind wa^ whistling r^nnd th ^. sn )w drifts 
high. 

I heard a scream for help— then it died away. 

I called my family to hark! 

We heard a call, twice or thrice, 

But whither should we lo3k or g ). 

A sleepless night I passed. 

When daylight came, deep search Wcis made, 

And in a bank of snow, a woman's corpse was 
found: 

Her frozen arms, a frozen babe, incircded round!" 

The serpent alcohol had crazed her liuslxunrs 

l^rain. 
And he had drove his hapless wife out in the 

howling storm: 



84 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

And oh! the agony of remorse, 

That must have filled the drunkard's soul, 

When reason had usurped its throne. 

That drunken husband, once a lovely child had 

been, 
But oh! the dreadful work, the spoiler had done. 
Oh! mothers dear, may God forbid that you 
The dreadful work should see— a ruined son! 
And oh! dear youth, temptation shun. 
And ever do the right ; 
And may God keep your souls forever pure. 
Much there is that we have heard or seen in later 

years. 
That might be told of dread intemperance: 
But this the present may suffice, 
And on we pass to watch the swelling waves: 
Our life a floating bark which Jesus saves. 



TAiiT FiKsr. :^.> 



CHAPTER XVII.-A PROTRACTED MEET- 
ING. 

When nine years o'er my head to eternity had 

fled away, 
My parents changed tlieir residence, 
And five miles distant went to dwell. 
Soon a protracted meetino; in that vicinity was 

held, 
And in a new large barn, 
A platform for ministers was reared. 
God, through clay, did speak to those seated 

round. 
The good seed did fall on some rich soil. 
And upward grew to the glory of God's name. 
"A society was formed, and when dear friends 
Took their seats along the line, 
I thought I would like with them to go to heaven. 
I went forward and ca^t my lot with them. 
An aged mhiister went round and clapped each 

friendly hand, 
And when he came to me, he cried, 
'Glory to God, is there another here to In-ing a 

diildtoGodr 



;^,0 INCIDENTS OF FRUXTIEK LIKE. 

On a full breeze for heaven we sailed, 

And Avlien to and from the house of prayer we 

went, 
We ahnost seemed to walk the golden streets. 
But only as a seeker of rich pearls I stood, 
And sought our God alone three time:^ a day, 
Back of my father's orchard on the green, 
Where none but God could see. 
More instructions I needed in the way of life. 



Methodist CImrc-a of wliij'.i 'the writor v/ai a member eight ye;u-s 
and afterward b^e iiie assosiated with the M. E. Church of which 
.she was a member thirty-live years, and February 1879 s]ie was 
indentified with the United Mennonite Church. 



PART FIRST. ' 87 



CHAPTER XVIII.-HEAVENLY VIEW. 

( )iie ni.i>lit from my sleep I waked, 

And tears were rolling down my face. 

Our dream was this : Int3 a room I entered. 

And our Lord, the blessed Christ so very fair, 

Was seated in the center, 

To whom I did approach. 

His countenance so wondrous light— 

His smile how glorious sweet. 

At his feet I fell : With his hand he raised me up. 

Then I awoke : tears rolled like torrents doAvn my 

face. 
While that sweet vision of the lovely Christ, 
Ha^ all my life close on my footsteps seemed to 

tread. 
The lovely Christ the blessed one— but language 

fails. 
The glorious bridegroom his church doth love. 
Which he hath bought with his precious blood ; 
And of that church triumi)hant. 
May we make one for Jesus' sake. 
But we thought religion was not a dream, 
And with the poet still I said : 



38 IXCIDEXTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. 

"Oil! tell me that my worthless name 

Is graven on thy hands. 
Show me some promise in thy book 

Where my salvation stands." 

I felt too vile for aught 

But to throw myself on the ground, 

And there with deep humility 

Bedew the earth with tears. 

I rose from prayer. 

The golden sun just at the close of day, 

Looked beautiful that hour ; 

But on one side a dark bundle seemed to rest, 

And it was said to me, 

"Your sins are all on Jesus laid, 

The Sun of Righteousness."" 

I stood and praised the Lord 

All tilings round me seemed to do the same : 

The trees, the lairds, the velvet earth. 

While I said, "Glory be to God, 

Blessed be thy holy name ;" 

And soon in union social meeting I rose and said, 

"The precious pearl I have found ;" 

And with the poet I could say, 

"Tis love that drives my chariot wheels, 
And death must yield to love." 

That was a happy meeting. 

And all was warmth, life and praise. 



PAKT KIKST. i^9 

Time onward pass^ed for mouthy— all a ^weet 

peace. 
Three time^ a day, I went 
Back of father^s orchard alone to pray. 
While l^owed upon the gronnd, 
My Savior on the cross by faith I saw, 
While I looked and tears were on my face, 
I spoke these words more times than I can tell : 
"Oh blessed Jesus, blessed Lord/' 



40 I N< "I DENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XIX.-A DREAM. 

One night I dreamed I stood upon a sea of ice, 

Which cracked and broke ; 

And as I into the water sank, I upward looked 

and cried, 
"Glory, glory, be to God, I am going home." 
And very full of joy was I, 
At the sweet thought of heaven. 
After a time temptations came, 
Then I would not eat one mouthful of pleasant 

food. 
If a motion jof sin within my soul I found, 
And a^ a hart upon a mountain 
Thirsts for cooling streams. 
So did my soul thirst for the living God. 



TAHT FIRST. 41 



CHAPTER XX.-THE SWEARER. 

One day I heard a lady say, 

She had seen an aged man who enjoyed 

The perfect love of God through Christ. 

The aged man was happy, and faithful every 
where. 

With his son he did reside. 

Men came there to work. 

One was angry, and swearing too. 

But the elderly man walked near. 

While tears rolled down his withered face, 

He said, "oh! do not swear— 

You might die before the sun shall set." 

Then the swearer said with oaths upon hi.^ 
tongue, 

'T will live as long as any here." 
They went to work— but in an hour returned, 
Bearing the swearer back — a corpse ! 
A limb had fallen from a tree 
And struck him on the head- 
He fell doubled to the earth, a mangled corpse. 
Sinners do not presume uijon God's mercy 
Or his rod defy, 
Or you may meet a dreadful doom. 



42 IXC'IDENT.S OF FRUXTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXI.— RETURNING FROM THE 
ORCHARD. 

Now back to the aged pious man we will look, 

And think how much we wished 

The same grace might rest on such a one as I. 

One day when returning from the orchard, 

Where I had been to pray, 

There Avas a wondrous power rested on unworthy 

me: 
Much like Stephen, heaven seemed opened in the 

^ky. 
There I thought I saw our blessed Lord : 
And angels round him bowed. 
This vision o'er us passed, 
And oh ! the bliss unuterable, 
Which did our being fill— 

It was more than we could ever speak or ever tell ; 
But silence heightened heaven. 



PART FIRST. 48 



CHAPTER XXIL-WHEN FIFTEEN YEARS 
OF AGE. 

But liere we cannot stay— the moment t< tied, 

The hours have pased. 

The eldest of six children, we 

The younger ones loved. 

At home, or school, we thought 

We would the time redeem, 

And do with all our might 

What ere we could. 

Our studies all were mixed with prayer, 

We did not our Grod forget. 

Careless mirth and vanity we shuned : 

Those things we could not love — 

We had higher sweeter joys. 

Our Bible class at Sabbath -school we i)rized. 

And Pilgriras Progress loved to read. 

We could fathom all, God's Holy Spirit taught 

us there. 
When fifteen years of age. 
We taught a district school ; 
And ever that school with prayer connnenced. 
The committee said, that we should teach 



44 IINCIIJENTS OF FR0NTIP:R LI IE. 

Eight hours each day of school. 

To this we did attend, 

And faithful Avas in all. 

The time we taught, within Ohio ground^ 

Of months we nnml^er tAventy-four ; 

And just the same in Indiana range, 

And ten in Kansas, 

Which doth make in all, fifty-eight months, 

Or nineteen quarters and one month ; 

And more than this, we every otlier .Saturday, 

Within that time did teach, 

Which now is not the tune^ 



PART KIKST.. 4o 



CHAPPER XXIIL-A CONVENTION. 

Tliy summer of 1841, 

Nearly all tlr3 paople thro iic>]i out tli- laurL 

To a political convention went, 

That in mount Vernon, 

Knox Co., Ohio, WcXS held. 

All the young' ladies in oar community. 

And I with them was dress 3d in white," 

With ribbons blue for sash ; 

And on the neck the same. 

In one large vehicle we rode ; 

And Just in front, 

On conveyance similar to ours, 

A band of music played ; 

But I will not tell all. 

For there was much display. 

When there arrived, we found 

Several thousand people on the ground ; 

And general Harrison too ; 

But near the lecture ground, 

Men upon a wagon stood, 

And wliilt^ there steeds went round tlie throng, 

With ax and mallet they split rails. 



46 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

As hard as they could ply, 

To show how Harrison had toiled. 

And there were log cabins, built on wheels, 

And by horses drawn around. 

With union flags upon the top. 

To show that Harrison had in a cabin lived. 

We had a seat upon the lecture ground. 

But lecture o'er, a feast, all free was spread. 

To feed the numbers there. 

And more than this, a roasted ox. 

That looked nicely dressed. 

And all in form. 

Upon a wagon stood ; 

And flags were on its horns. 

And while the team went round. 

Men cut the meat from roasted ox, 

And said, "here, here, take some," 

A cannon men were firing. 

Burst and killed one man. 

That man had been one who drank too much, 

( )f that he never should have touched. 

He left a wife, and several little ones. 

General Harrison to that widow went. 

Before he left that town : 

He gave his note for five hundred. 

To tliat widow to be paid ; 

And with this note she bought a home. 

Ere that time a home she ne'er possessed. 



PART FIRST. 47 

TlioTigli Harrison the presidential ^eat obtained, 
He cjuickly passed from earth ; 
And I heard one say, 
Terhaps our nation loved, and honored him so 

much, 
That they robbed God of love, and lionor too." 
Surely time will pass away. 
With all its forms of gaudy show. 



48 IXCIDENTS OK FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXIV.-A CHILD, A JEWEL. 

See that little boy on the street, 

With ]3are feet this wintry day. 

Does not God ^vithin that little soul a jewel see ? 

But there come boys, with socks and boots, 

All nice on their feet. 

They say, "For shame a barefoot boy." 

Then one stamps the little naked toes, 

And make him cry with pain. 

But all! the needy boy may rise, whilst others 

fall; 
And if he should not fill a presidential seat. 
He may with God in gloi^y dwell ; 
And there he will be clothed in angeFs dress- 
White and fair. 
Now dear child, 

Jesus can wash you clean from sin- 
He for you has died : 
He has promised wisdom if you ask, 
And he will surely give. 



• 



I* ART IMRST. 41> 



CHAPTER XXV.- THE TRUMPET SOUND. 

Hark ! wliile we pa^^ along, 

We hear the gospel trumpet sound : 

"Free grace." Amazing sweet, 

But lo! through instruments of clay, our God 

doth speak ; 
And 'tis the peals of mighty truth, 
God's Holy Spirit's sword, the word of God. 
But oh ! there are some who God resist and sin 

pursue. 
Dreadful thought ! they on the way to ruin mn. 
Oh ! hark, the sound eternity ! eternity ! 
In darkness wrapt, and far from God— 
A guilty soul. 

We hear a skeptic cry. Oh ! for a day. 
Oh ! for a single hour. 
Although an age too little were. 
For the much I have to do ; 
But ah ! that one has passed away. 
In despair he closed his eyes in death. 
Oh ! death, how dreadful must thy sunnnons be, 
To those that are at ease in their possessions. 
How the foe like a staunc-h murderer. 
Pursues the guilty soul through every lane of life : 



50 



INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



She runs to every avenue and shrieks for help, 

But shrieks in vain ; 

For down the verge she is pressed— 

To endless ruin. 




PART FIRST. 51 



CHAPTER XXVI.-GOING HOME, THE 
CHRISTIAN. 

But what a contrast now I see ; 

For standing by a Christian's bed, 

I heard her say, while at her hands she looked, 

And saw that in her veins 

The purple current would no longer flow, 

Dying is like going a friend to see. 

And a pleasant visit make. 

Then with peace and joy she said, 

"Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft, as downy pillows are ; 

While on his breast I lean my head, 
And breathe my life out sweetly there.'' 

Once again, I by another dying Christian stood, 

A son of Samuel Everiett, Junior. 

He had oft, with me conversed 

About the family he was soon to leave. 

When the hour for him to bid the world adieu 

was near. 
He said, "Let me rise and pray." 
But when his strength would not allow him 
His bed to leave. 



52 IXCIDEXTS OF KRONTIER LIFE. 

He raised a little, rested on one arm, 

While he prayed for all. 

A little later still, brother, wife, and children all, 

Were seated round, when he said, 

"I leave yon all with God, for I am going home." 

And calm and peaceful as a smiling babe 

Within its mother's arms, he went to rest. 

AVe cannot tell how soon our mortal life shall 

end; 
So let us keep our lamps all trimmed ; 
For life hath thousand strings, which soon may 

break. 



PART KIKST. 6S 



CHAPTER XXVII.-A SLEIGH-RIDE, A 
WISH. 

I one day ^aw four young persons, 
Full of life and health, merry, young, and fair ; 
They a sleigh-ride took, 
And started from my parents' door ; 
But in one short year. 
Three of the four were dead ! 
Once a young lady said to me, 
"I wish that I could have the headache 
One half hour, so I might know how it seems." 
But ah ! when a liride she stood. 
The hectic flush, was on her cheek. 
And in one year, consumption laid her low be- 
neath the sod ! 
Her little Mary, which she left. 
By the same destroyer fell ! 

Oh ! let me tell, there is nothing firm — liut heaven ; 
And there are consolations sweet, and joys divine. 
Which we may taste on earth ; 
But there Ave shall know as we are known, 
(3ur innnortal powers made strong. 



54 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXVIII.-CHRISTIAN CON- 
VERSE, EXPERIENCE. 

Now dear Christian friend, please let me tell you 

How the Lord hath dealt Avitli me : 

I sought his face and asked 

That he would all his grace bestow. 

At church I rose and told what I sought. 

And was about to take my seat, 

Then quick as though , I had been struck— 

I felt the power : I stood erect and said, 

'T have got the blessing now." 

And some good counsels I received that hour, 

From friends who said, "Hold fast by faith. 

Your heavenly Father's saving power, through 

Jesus' name confess ; 
And he will bless you, more and greater still." 
80 very strong was faith within my soul, 
I said, I will, I do believe. 
When two weeks had passed away. 
In a prayer-meeting all were bowed in prayer. 
God, saw fit to send the Holy Ghost, 
With the Holy Spirit's power to fill the room, 
Like to the ancient Pentecost. 
One was there bent o'er with age, who said, 



J 



PART FIRST. 55 

A^ long as I have lived, 

I never saw what I have seen tc-night." 

The Holy Ghost was there with power divine : 

To him be all the praise, 

Till time with endless ages blend. 

I had given soul and body to the Lord. 

And Christ his Father, did reveal— 

With power he shook this house of clay. 

"I in an instant saw, that God the Father 

Was the Holy, Holy, Holy One. 

God in Christ his boundless love revealed. 

And mercy, oh ! ho w free. 

Through my baing these words were spoke with 

power : 
"They will not come to me that they may have 

life." 
Salvation, oh ! how free and full. 
The Holy Spirit filled my being— 
A coal from off God's altar, had fallen on my soul, 
And the weight of glory overpowered the mortal 

clay ; 
But Jesus and the angels were very near. 
And Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, in my mouth and soul. 
The river of the water of life. 



*Tlic writer's experience as to some of the great things of God. 
in the way of salvation, is njl: fully given in this work: yet the 
sentiments here expressed were deeply experimental. 



50 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

How clear and g^weet : I drank, and drank again. 

Bliss we cannot speak : It will take eternity to telL 

Yes God is love, oh ! blessed Christ, 

The Lamb of God, a three in one. 

The mystery is God's love, he calls himself my 

God- 
He calls a worm his friend. 
He tanght me his almighty power, 
Overshadows those he loves ; 
And those who in him confide. 
Shall rest secure beneath, the Almighty's shade 
When our being fully purified, and we his temple 

are, 
The immortal Jesus writes his name. 
With the holy spirit's power, which the angels 

read. 
A ransomed soul from every stain. 
Through Jesus saved alone, this day I stand ; 
And on that rock so firm, 
I build my hope of heaven. 

Borne on the wings of Jesus' name. 
Prayer mounts above the storm : 

Moves him that moves creation's frame. 
To listen and perform. 



1>AKT FIRST. 5*7 



CHAPTER XXIX.-REMOVAL, SKETCHES 
BY THE WAY. 

When about the age of twenty-one, my i)arents 
moved to the town of Rochester, Indiana, and re- 
mained there for more than two years. I have 
here found, a few scraps of writing, written dur- 
ing our stay in that place, which I Avill insert, as 
they in some measure show, how our feelings were 
exercised a^.4 time passed along. 

January 20th, 1849. 

I have this evening just returned from the 
churc-h, where I heard an address from these 
words : 'There remainetli therefore a rest, for the 
people of God." I have just looked upon the re- 
mains of a departed gentleman, who has left nu- 
merous relatives, and the church, to mourn his 
loss. Often have I heard that l^rother speak of 
the Canaan of rest. He has now i)assed Jordan a 
little in the rear— we shall soon pass the same : 
Jesus will be with, and cheer me througli the 
gloom. It is time for me to renew my activity.— 
I have been too stupid. Oh thou blessed God, 
forgive, and for Jesus' sake, whilst thou givest me 



58 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

a place among mortals, oh ! never let me be guilty 
of the blood of souls. Then mighty Savior if thou 
seest fit to continue me here any longer, may I 
feel the realities of eternity and act accordingly. 
May I be perfectly holy, body and spirit. Give 
me a spirit of gratitude ; far more than I have 
felt or exhibited. In a word, do thou take full 
possession of every principle of my soul, body and 
spirit. I am very vile, thou knowest I am dust. 
— I am not worthy of the smallest favor from thee, 
yet I look to Calvary. Oh ! thou bleeding Lamb, 
thou hast suffered for me. I am clay in thy 
hands, mold me by thy power. I have often 
grieved thee, yet thou hast been towards me a 
God that forgives iniquity, plenteous in mercy 
and abundant in goodness. Yes, I i)raise thee 
for thy great love wherewith thou hast loved 
such an unworthy one. I trust in thee. Amen. 

January 21st, 1849. 
Last Friday night I spent watching by the 
death bed of a young lady, who had been taken 
suddenly sick a few hours before. She had been 
vain and thoughtless, and gave no evidence of a 
change of heart. Sometime ago she was a mem- 
ber of my class at Sab]:>ath-school. Several times 
I saw her weep, yet she lived among those who 
feared not God. She chose the vanities of earth , 
rather than to suffer afflictions with the people of 






PART FIRST. 59 

God. Soon as she was taken, her speech became 
inarticnilate — no time to prepare for death. Oh ! 
shocking thus to go. 

A very profane man died a few yards from us 
yesterday ! He was irrational from the first at- 
tack of disease. He died— no hope. What a 
w^ord ; and can it be, eternity without hope i Time 
is but a moment, a part of eternity, a vapor soon 
past, yet dying mortals sleep on the edge of this 
precipice— this whirlpool, gulf or chasm. Oh! 
how can sinners sleep amid such scenes { The 
Holy Spirit alone can rouse the carnally secure 
sinners. "Ye will not come to me that ye may 
have life," says Jesus. They slight and grieve his 
dying, bleeding love ; they slight joys immortal, 
crowns unfading. How unwise the baubles of 
earth, preferred to heaven. The serpent creeps 
where floAvers are seen.— The poor stupefied vic- 
tim of his malice, is lured on to ruin, by his de- 
vices, and by the charms and viles of a wicked 
world, and the false insinuations of satan, and a 
wicked or deceitful heart. Man presumes to sin, 
till justice takes his case in hand, and mercy re- 
tires. Last Friday night I closed the eyes of poor 
M. Her disease is considered by many very con- 
tagious. Many say that she and others liave died 
with the cold plague here of late. I have lieen 
much exposed in turning over the l^ody of poor 
M., as the last breath came directly in my face. 



00 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

The ninty-fir^t Psalm contains great promises. I 
am safe under the control of Almighty Love. I 
am in the hands of Jesus. He will take care of 
this frail tenement. I am safe in his power. He 
knows what is best and w^hen to call his child 
home : his will be done. If he should call very 
soon, he will save me for his holy name's sake. I 
shall have passed through this dark valley, and 
emerged into that glory, of which I have had an 
antepast here on earth. Yes, a blessed foretaste 
—a home in heaven. Triumphant thought, bliss 
immortal. Adieu, vain world. 



I'ART FIRST. 01 



CHAPTER XXX.— MY ELDEST BROTHER. 

In the year 185'J, my parents changed their 
rei^^idence from Roche;:;ter, to Goshen, Indiana, and 
while there my eldest brother, after one short 
week of affliction, was called from earth to heaven. 
Oh ! how mnch I loved him, when a fair sweet 
child, and a lovely yonth. — But now adieu, we 
will soon meet again. The cares of earth will 
never fall on thee. Thou art at rest, adieu, dear 
l:)rother, adieu. The funeral sermon of my broth- 
er, R. B. Abl:)ott, was preached by the Rev. Van- 
nuys, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at that 
place. In the sermon which he delivered, he 
spoke of my brother, as a young man of great 
modesty and excellence. 

Sleep, brother, sweetly rest, as Lazarus of old ; 
But when the Arch Angel's trump shaU sound, 
May I behold thee, lovely one, 
With heavenly glories crowned, 
And with the throng innumerable, 
Traverse the happy land. 



62 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 






CHAPTER XXXL-PROVIDENCES, AFFLIC- 
TIONS, A SACRED CHARGE. 

In the fall of 1851, 1 was married to an honest, 
sincere Christian, Samuel Murray, who had long 
been a citizen of Goshen, Indiana, faithful in the 
church, abundant in charity, always helpful in 
church enterprise and all good. Our Bible was 
daily read and we bowed in deep sincerity before 
our Father's throne, feeling that God was our 
Savior and Redeemer continually. But the clouds 
of affliction commenced to lower around us, and 
we were made to feel the uncertainty of all earth- 
ly things. 

My companion, about five weeks after our 
marriage, was seized with a severe lung fever, 
and brought down as it were, to the verge of the 
grave. After a partial recovery, he took a relapse 
of the same ; and when to all human appearance, 
his eyes were closed in death, and all around 
said he is gone, I gave him a few drops of bal- 
sam, then his eye-lids moved, he revived, and 
spoke. His complaint assumed at this time a 
typhoid form. The windows of the room were 



PART FIRST. 63 

shaded, and the utmost quiet preserved: Our 
heavenly Father, granted a helping hand and our 
afflicted companion was spared fourteen years. 
But his constitution, received a shock, from which 
he never fully recovered. To my parents is due 
many thanks for their kindness, during that 
heavy affliction. After this we lived in or near 
Groshen, Indiana, about eight years, and God gave 
into our charge, three little immortal ones. 

The first a little angel spirit lent. 

We called Mary ; 

And while our minister laid his hand upon her 

head, 
He prayed that like ancient Mary, 
She might sit at Jesus' feet. 
The next, our William : a feeble tender child. 
We gave in '^covenant to God. 
And then our Martha fair, we to God's altar 

brought ; 
The minister prayed that our babe might serve 

her God, 



*The ^vriter of this little volume was given in infancy to God, 
according to the custom of various churches and her three chil- 
dren were also covenanted under the same form ; yet in after 
years Mrs. Murray felt convinced that according to the teaching 
of the New Testament she had a part to a«t, and in the spring 
season of 1879 went into the water near Goshen, Indiana, 
kneeled, and was baptized by pouring. 



154 INCIDENTS OF FEOXTIER LIFE. 

As a Martha did of olden time. 
And soon we left for other land, 
And took our lovely babes. 
Ent ere we left, my father died ! 




TAKT FIRST. 05 



CHAPTER XXXIL-DEAR FATHER. 

Poor man, his was afflictions many ; 

He managed well, and toiled. 

But losses came —loss top of loss, and sickness too, 

But father dear, you are rich in heaven ; 

And we will meet you there. 

The last words you to your daughter said on 

earth, were these : 
"If we would with the pure and holy live in 

heaven. 
We must be pure and holy here on earth." 
And thus dear father, may I meet with thee in 

heaven. 
And robed in angels' dress so free 
Adore our King. 
In Jesus' sweet embrace. 
May thy dear spirit rest. 
Your toils are o'er, 
And heavenly glories now are thine, 
With full fruition blest ; 
And near the great white throne. 



(){3 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXXIII.-A SISTER ON CALA- 
FORNIA SHORES. 

And here I stop and think of one, 

A sister very dear, 

With whom I walked and talked; 

Who went before my father died, 

To Calafornia shores. 

She wa« married at our parents' home, 

And shortly started for the distant land. 

Her companion, H. M. Porter, and herself. 

Are numbered with the church militant on earth ; 

And may they when done with time. 

With the church triumphant, in heaven rejoice ; 

And may their children three. 

So many jewels shine in heaven. 

And if that dear sister's face, 

No more on earth I see. 

May we clasp glad hands, with all dear friends, 

When time with vis is o'er ; 

And then with full immortal powers, 

We will sing sweet strains of love. 



PART SECOND 



CHAPTER I.-ON THE CARS, ON THE 
BOAT. 

On the first day of April, 1860, my companion, 
with his little family, started on the cars for Kan- 
sas; and as we passed along. Lake Michigan 
seemed to lay high and boundless, while the ze- 
nith dipped its wings. And we were reminded 
of the boundlessness of space, and also of eternity 
without bounds. Here we might stop and philos- 
ophize, but we look back and think of friends, 
whom we had left in Goshen. Little did we know 
how long the separation might be,— and that 
some of us never would meet again on earth ; l)ut 
the cars rolled on till we stoi)ped at Perue, Illi- 
nois. There was not at that day the same facili- 
ties for travel which our nation at present enjoys, 
therefore we took passage in a steam-boat, bound 
for St. Louis; and down the flowing, rolling tide 
our vessel urged its way. A few days i)assed, then 
we landed at St. Louis, changed boats, and started 
n\) the crooked Missouri River, bound for Kansas 



(J8 INCIDENTS OF FEOXTIER LIFE. 

City. The water of the river was muddy, and I 
saw dead cattle in the water along the banks. I 
remarked to a lady standing by, "I hate to see 
such water drank." Bat a man who was quaff- 
ing the same said, "Excellent water, madam, ex- 
cellent water." The first day on that boat, a lady 
said to me, "you ask the proprietor of this boat, 
for a key to your berth room, and lock your door 
inside at night, for last night a man while sleep- 
ing in his room had his pocket cut open with a 
knife, and eS500 taken from him." This was ad- 
vice which persons in similar circumstances, would 
do well to remember. 



PART SECOND. 09 



CHAPTER II.-A GREAT PET, A BLACK 
COOK. 

My little Martha, three months old, was^ a 
great pet with ladies, who said, ''What a sweet 
babe Mattie is! what do you do with lier^ she 
never cries." But there was an old black cook 
who said to me, "Bless your life, mistress, I have 
sixteen children some- where in this wide world— 
they were all sold, and I can't tell where one can 
be found !" then she covered her face and wept. 
Surely separation of families, was a terrible feat- 
ure of bondage. We may well be thankful for 
freedom and peace. May God save our country 
from every surrounding danger. 



70 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER III.- AN EXPLOSION. 

When we first started on this boat, there was 
much time spent in the large room of the boat 
playing cards ; but one day our boat stopped and, 
numbers came on board; and with the rest, a 
minister and his family. The minister's lady 
said, "The boiler of the boat they had left, burst, 
and soon as the explosion occurred, such swearing 
she never heard before !" The men employed on 
board said, "They knew something would go 
wrong, for there were so many white horses and 
preachers on the boat." But the lady said, "It 
was wonderful, that not anyone was harmed, for 
the lioiler had burst similar to one that had ex- 
ploded on the Ohio River, and killed many per- 
sons." In the first consideration of the case, we 
see superstition and sin, and in the second, the 
protection of the Almighty ; and on a much high- 
er scale of intellectuality do those stand, who 
fear and reverence God. The minister who had 
just come on board our boat, delivered us a ser- 
mon that evening; and we had no more card 
playing, but every evening was occupied in part 
with delightful singing. I had a bad cough dur- 



PART SECOND. 



71 



ing our journey, Mr. Murray and some of our lit- 
tle charge was not well, but a filial fear and trust 
in Providence, stayed our soul on God. Our 
boat at last landed at Kansas City, and we were 
taken in an omnibus to a hotel for the night. 




72 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER IV.— DARK STAIRS. 

A Methodist family, with whom we formed 
acquaintance on the boat, was with us. We were 
taken up several flights of stairs, to a square hall, 
and turning near the stairs found ourselves occu- 
pying a long bed-room, in the hotel. About the 
hour of retiring, one man entered another bed- 
room joining ours. There was only a thin parti- 
tion between the rooms. Soon a man came into 
the hall, and loc^ked everyone into their rooms. 
After all were sleeping, I still sat near a dim 
light sewing. Soon I heard the steps of two men 
come up the stairs. I heard them unlock the 
room where one man slept — then I heard deep 
groans, fainter and fainter, till all was still. Then 
I heard men pass our door with heavy steps, and 
down the stairs a load they took. In the Word 
of Truth we read, "The dark corners of the earth 
are full of cruelty." Before the darkness had 
come on that night, when a lady in our room and 
I were conversing of our prospects, I glanced 
around and saw two men under dark stairs, 
watching all we said. I could distinctly see their 
heads near each other, and their eyes shining in 



PART SECOND. 73 

tlie dusk. Perhaps some reflection from other 
apartments, made them more visible. I used cau- 
tion and cahnness at the moment, and said, "our 
means in payments was to come." Now stranger, 
traveler, lieware ! for satan's servants walk this 
earth; and in proverbs we read, 'The love of 
money is the root of all evil." And while you 
beware of men, ask God to save you from all sin ; 
for often satan and his servants set gins, or snares, 
to trajj the thoughtless, unprotected soul, and 
draw the wayward, wandering one farther and 
farther, down the steps of death. 



74 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER V.-IN KANSAS. 

When the following day arrived, a man who 
had brought a wagon load down to the boat, and 
would return fifty miles out into Kansas, said he 
would take us out to Mineola. And as we passed 
along o'er pleasant lands, we saw one section all 
fenced in with rock, in one enclosure. Mineola 
was in a l^eautiful country, but the land was a 
higher price than we wished to give. After a 
stay in that place of two weeks, Mr. Murray came 
into the dwelling where we had made our stay, 
saying, "In one hour and a half, we will leave for 
Emporia ; as I have now an opportunity for con- 
veyance.'' Mr. Murray had bought some things, 
and placed fruit trees in the ground, which were 
left, and never recovered. 'He thought he would 
Sc3(-ure those things, but failed. During our stay 
at Emporia we heard the gospel preached. But 
soon Mr. Murray picked up a paper that was 
l)lown across the street, in which the Cotton woe d 
Valley was described. The next day he set out 
on foot and alone ; he went fifty miles, located his 
land, bought a wagon and yoke of oxen, and re- 
turned. Soon his familv were seated in a wagon 



PART SEC'0N1>. 75 

drawn by oxen. To us this was a novelty never 
experienced before. But in all circumstances for 
one, I know, God was not forgotten. A man came 
back with Mr. Murray from the Cottonwood val- 
ley, where our land was located, and of wiiom 
Mr. Murray had bought the wagon— he came un- 
der pretense of business. His designs proved to 
be, to take every advantage of Mr. Murray, that 
satan could help a wicked man to devise. (Satan 
sometimes transforms himself into an angel of 
of light, to human appearance, and the worst side 
is not seen, till the false charm is broken.) That 
man got much heli3 and money from Mr. Murray, 
for which there was no remuneration. We 
afterwards found he had sought the frontiers of 
Kansas, to avoid justice. 

AVhen we arrived on the Cottonwood valley, 
at first we did not stop on our own land, and the 
many trials we met the first few months, I shall 
not here numerate but pass them over. 



it) INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER VI.-THE FIRST INDIANS. 

The first Indians we ever saw, 

Soon stood befoie the door, 

With wild and savage mien ; 

And without any dress but just one piece, 

And that was small. 

Their guns and hatchets in hand, 

They silent stood, and looked at us.. 

We thought we must not let them know we were 

afraid. 
Soon they asked for bread and milk. 
Then went away. 
One was called Big Indian Jim, 
And he had bragged how many white men's 

scalps 
He had cut off from their heads. 
I tell you, after they were gone, 
I did not feel much strength. 
Our health was delicate, 
Perhaps that did our nerves effect. 



'ART SECOND. 



CHAPTER VII.-CABIN HOME. 

And Avlien we would not longer stay from lionie, 

We found our-selves in a new, hued log-house. 

Our floor was not of plank, but just of earth. 

Our window had no sash or glass, 

And we had just an open door ; 

But we were greatly pleased, 

To be once more at home, 

And our little jewels free from evil influence. 

We could gather our babes around 

Our Bible read, and bow in prayer. 

'Tis true, we ^vere far from the pleasant home, 

We once possessed, near Indiana's shores. 

Where roses bloomed, and cherries ripened in the 

spring — 
Where apples, pears, currents and other fruits 

were found. 
Yet we could sound the praise of God, 
On the extended plain. 

Or by the ripening stream or skirting groves ; 
Or we alone could bow in pleasing groves. 
And while we looked, far in the ether l^lue above, 
Our faith took hold on God. 
Wild plums were in abundance found, 



78 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

And grapes along the streams.— 

Birds sang in the groves, 

Upon the hills the Indians often stood, 

And we saw them walk near groves 

And banks along the streams ; 

But we had learned to put our taust in God, 

And feel that all was right. 



I 



PART S:iC()ND. 79 



CHAPTER VIIL-TWO SQUAWS. 

One day on the prarie we looked 
And saw Indians start on an Indian trail, 
With spears and hatchets glistening in the sun. 
For more than two miles 

They sti etched their numbers along the plain, 
And still they came. 

I stood with babe in arms within our yard, 
Then I heard whoops and yells. 
Indians passed our door, two squaws came in. 
One was black, tlie other light enough to have 
been 

A white woman just tanned. 

She was troublesome and impudent. 

They bagged, then ransacked round tlie house. 

The whitest squaw said, "Money in that trunk.'' 

Then went to raise the lid, 

Which I had left unlocked. 

I told her, "Let that trunk alone. 

If you don't, white man will take care of you." 

She turned, looked at me, and said, 

"No smokey man is here." 

I told her, "There are two white men close by. 



m 



INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



Tliey will take care of yon. 

Let that alone." 

They did not meddle more, but soon went away 




TT^'k 




PART SECOND. HI 



CHAPTER IX.-WE COUNTED SEVENTY- 
FIVE, AND STILL THEY CAME. 

Once we looked toward hills, and saw Indians 
coining down. We counted seventy-five, and in 
numbers more they came, straight toward our 
house. All but one were Indian warriors ; some 
were very dark, others much lighter, and features 
more regular. The squaw came first to the do(jr. 
When she saw my fair babe, with flaxen hair, she 
raised both hands in wonder, and uttered excla- 
mations in Indian dialect. Then the Indians of 
lightest caste walked up and spake in angry tones. 
I thought to my babe, they meant some harm : 
and if they had taken it by its heels, and dashed 
it on the wall it would have been just what I 
thought they said. But the squaw ran l^ackwards 
the distance of several yards from their reach. 
The Indians were armed with everything white 
man or Indian would ever carry for warfare, re- 
volvers, guns, long spears, hatchets, knives and 
Indian arrows, they displayed. But as if by some 



Erratum. — The date on page CI, first line, j-hould read, in 
tlie fall of the year 1849. 



82 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

power beyond my own, I feared them not ; I met 
the whitest ones at the door, as they came first. 
They shook my hand, gave their Indian salute, 
then asked for water. I gave them what was 
there, then they told me, "You go and get some 
more." I said, "No you go yourselves." I laughed, 
and showed them that I feared them not. Just 
then Mr. Murray came ; He walked through the 
crowd that was around the door, and took his 
seat in the center of our room. He assumed a 
downward look, and would not speak to them. 
They tried to shake his hand, but he would show 
no sign of friedship. I gave them seats that were 
in the room. Six of them sat down and smoked, 
then said to me, "How many miles to the Arkan- 
sas River." I counted on my fingures, to show 
them the many miles away, then they motioned 
the way and said, "We go." Then all but one of 
those wild beings left our house and yard. But 
the remaining one stepped in the house, and 
looked round : he saw a satin vest and when he 
had surveyed it over, and saw it was old, he said, 
"No good." Then Mr. Murray said, "A mean In- 
dian, very mean." But I said, "Hush, he is near 
the door." Then Mr. Murray said, "They might 
shake your hand, and that very moment, take 
your life." But I was carried above all, in perfect 
l)eace, by that Almighty Power that sways the 
rolling orbs, and gave the earth her frame. 



PART SECOND. S3 



CHAPTER X.-IN IOWA, MUCH LOSS, RE- 
TURN, BUFFALOES. 

It was now in the fall of the year of 1860. The 
The settlers in Kansas had been too poor general- 
ly, to buy wheat for seed. They had depended 
for sustenance on raising corn, and all had failed, 
in consequence of a drouth that set in early in 
the season. A family left Kansas and went to 
Iowa : we went in company with them, and spent 
the winter in a house without a window. We 
had a very large fireplace and plenty of wood, 
and we had peace, trust and hope in God. And 
they of whom the world has not been worthy ; 
and far better than we, have lived • in dens and 
caves of the earth. 

While at this place, Mr. Murray got the re- 
mainder of the money due, from the sale of our 
home in Indiana, sent to him ; and en the first day 
of April, 1861, we started back to Kansas. When 
we came near St. Jce, Ave saw men running toward 
the town with guns in hand, and when we entered 
the t3wn on business, we saw soldiers marching 
the streets with swords in hand, and wearing red 
shirts. The money Mr. Murray had, was nearly 



84 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

all on Missouri banks. The war had commenced, 
the banks had broke, and he could only get ten 
cents on each dollar, accordingly for at least ^800, 
he only got ^80. But Christ our Lord, the Lord 
of heaven and earth, had not where to lay his 
head. Mr. Murray had already secured 160 acres 
of land, and thither we proceeded. When there 
arrived, we found the valley had been covered 
with buffaloes. Hunters had found plenty of em- 
ployment, for many heads and horns, lay on the 
prairie round, and our rough cabin door was tak- 
en down, and on it a buffalo had been dressed, 
and the head and horns lay in the middle of the 
room. We straightened things round, made them 
neat as we could, and again were at home. 

Our time was employed with domestic affairs. 
Mr. Murray was busy planting his grounds, and 
cultivating the same ; but visits from the Indians 
were frequent. About this time Mr. Murray 
wrote to his brother living east of us, that "our 
nearest neighbors on the west were at the Rockey 
Mountains." And surely if there were any white 
persons near the mountains, we were not there 
and it was two years ere we saw but just one 
white women ; and she was no company for us : 
her husband was very wicked — he reverenced not 
God, and had very little regard for any one, his 
own family not excepted. 



PART SECOND. 85* 



CHAPTER XI.-AFFLICTIONS. 

The fall of 1861, afflictions came thickly around 
us, my little son had the chills and fever, and we 
had no medicine to give, till he could not stand 
alone ; and my little Martha lost the power to sit 
alone. My dear Mary suddenly became very sick 
with congestion of the brain, and a very danger- 
ous fever. I wet my daughter's head with cam- 
phor which we had in the house, and when the 
natural color partly returned to her face, I walked 
my yard in agitation ; Then to my family I said, 
•'Keep very still, while I run to a neighbor.'' I 
passed very rapidly a mile and a half, and througli 
the providence of God, obtained the remedy nec- 
essary. I quickly returned, found my daughter 
in the quiet darkened room upon her bed, but 
irrational. The prescriptions were such as I had 
never administered before but through the bles- 
sing of Divine Providence, the fever abatJed as 
soon as the medicine took effect : yet I had to 
handle her like an infant for more then a week, 
we employed a man to go to the falls, twenty-five 
miles, and get medicine that broke the chills and 
fever on my other children. I had the chills also 



S6 



INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



but never gave up for one hour to take my bed 
but continued every effort in my power for the 
comfort of my afflicted children. God brought 
us through those trials, and for six years after- 
ward we had no severe afflictions of body, with 
the exception of Mr. Murray's poor health. 



PART J^riCONI). 87 



CHAPTER XIL-A DARK CLOUD, AN AD 
VENTURE. 

Without the aid of machinery Mr. Murray 
with what assistance I could give him, succeeded 
in putting up for the winter following, two good 
stacks of hay. His wheat also made two nice 
stacks and a small one. The wheat was stacked 
across the river from our dwelling. Mr. Murray 
went to the wheat stacks and with a flail threshed 
out wheat sufficient for a grist then he cleaned 
and put it into sacks and left it uncovered in a 
rail pen. He had taken some pieces of carpet to 
the place and they was left on the side of the pen. 
Mr. MuiTay came home feeling very bad and laid 
down on a lounge. Soon a dark cloud lay along 
the horizon, thundei^ began to roll and the vivid 
lightnings to flash through the darkness that had 
suddenly settled around. Mr. Murray said, "Oh 
that threshed wheat will all be spoiled." Then I 
started out the door and in a short distance I ran 
in the darkness against an obstruction in our patli . 
then I turned, went into the house and got a 
cane to feel my way. I told husband, "Never 
fear, I will fix all right about that wheat.'' The 



88 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

lightning very often showed the path— with my 
cane I journey on. I waded across the Cotton- 
wood, then went across a prairie to a little creek 
skirted with timber. Here the wolves howled so 
near to me, that it seemed as though I could al- 
most reach them with my hand: they seemed 
back of me, and on both sides, but as I walked 
onward I constantly whirled my cane around me, 
and thought perhaps I might hit one of those mu- 
sicians. I again entered prairie, and the howling 
stopped. The lightning showed my pathway, 
and I soon arrived where the wheat was left, en- 
tered the enclosure and covered the wheat with 
carpet and straw. I had noticed two rails on one 
side of the enclsure, the lightning had revealed 
this to he on the side towards our home. I was 
about to direct my steps accordingly, when a flash 
of lightning revealed some object more frightful 
to me than even the wolves : it seemed to be a 
dark visage like some human being. I stood still 
and in another moment the lightning made visi- 
ble the form of a black animal that stood con- 
fronting me, which I tried to lead for her compa- 
ny, but she refused to accompany me. Then I 
returned walking in the direction from whence I 
had come. I think the wolves were a little fear- 
ful ; for I gained my home in peace. And there 
is a moral which may be drawn from my fright at 



PART SECOND. 



H9 



the time mentioned. Sometimes things that seem 
to us evils, are only in disguise. 




90 IXCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XIII.-A PRAIRIE FIRE, AND 
LOSS. 

One day I saw smoke on high prairie above or 
back of hills. Mr. Murray lay sick on the bed. I 
told him, "Prairie fire is coming." He said, "It is 
not near.'' But soon I saw the fire roll along the 
hillsides ; then I said, "Samuel come quick and 
help'pull our wagon out from between those hay 
stacks, or it will be burnt up." We drew the 
wagon into the door-yard, and then the fire was 
very near, and as with a hurricane of wind, the 
flames, sut and smoke, were swept around. We 
got water and threw on things combustible near 
our dwelling, that we might save it from being 
consumed ; but the hay stacks were soon in flames, 
and all around was like a sea of fire, It was sur- 
prising how^the wind carried the fire — the waters 
of the]Cottonwood stopped it not. The fire was 
carried in the air, and soon two large stacks of 
our wheat were consumed in the flames. But not 
a sparrow f alleth to the ground without our heav- 
enly Father's knowledge. 

God moves in a mysterious way, 
His wonders to perform. 



PART SECOND. ♦J 1 

He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm. 

In the midst of every trial or disappointment 
there was an Almighty Arm on Avhich we felt to 
rest secure. And our soul enjoyed perfect peace, 
though our situation did not seem enviable, yet 
the God that f eedeth the ravens cared for us, and 
we could trust in him, and realize sweet consola- 
rion and security, beneath the Almighty's shade. 



92 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XIV.-A POOR INDIAN. 

r 

The prairie range for stock was all burnt over, 
and our hay consumed by fire. But our cattle 
lived on browse about the streams. The Caw In- 
dians often came and asked for bread, and when 
they received it, they would go and bring a larg- 
er crowd and were rather annoying. I was told. 
"You must not give them anything for they will 
make more trouble.'' Then I did wrong, for a 
poor Indian came to the door and said, "Give me 
"aid bread." I told him, we have nothing but 
what my pappooses need, and when he turned 
away, he coughed so hard, if I could have called 
him back, I would have given him bread. But he 
was soon carried by his pony from my sight. I 
never have since then, turned the afflicted poor 
away from my door unfed. Our heavenly Father 
accepts the kind acts done in charity to our fellow 
mortals, as done unto himself. 



*Tlic year of 1860, the crops failed in Kansas, and those who 
remained in the country the following season, and were destitute 
received aid from the States. In reference to this the Indian 
spoke of aid bread. 



TART SKf'ONI). 98 



CHAPTER XV.-DEGREDATION. 

By request, I will .still relate more stories. It 
was a time of scarcity with the new settlers, and 
out along our fence, a large stray hog with pover- 
ty had died. Some Indians came and said, "Some 
hogy meet out there : give to Indian some." We 
said, yes. Then they went and cut the hams and 
shoulders out, then brought the kidneys in, and 
roasted them on coals, and laughed and talked, as 
thoTigh they had a fortune found. I think they 
were not as bad as cannibals, yet in them we see a 
state of degredation, by us abhored. But are our 
.souls refined and free from all impurity i" and do 
we feast on heavenly things, or are cur souls 
with husks sufficed? 



94 INCIDE^^TS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XVI.-A FLOOR OF ROCK. 

I said to Mr. Murray, "Ground floor spoils our 
clothes. If you can't get plank, please get flat 
rock." Then we had a floor of rock, and on a 
carpet we did not walk. Yet we could contem- 
plate the golden streets, and the paved walks of 
the New Jerusalem, and feel the heavenly breezes, 
wafted from the celestial shores, and sweetly 
sink into the will of God. Yet while we in this 
tabernacle of clay reside, temptations and trials 
may often be our lot and we may fail, through 
ignorance or weakness, from the perfect path of 
wisdom, yet the principle of soul for right, be firm 
for God and truth; and God looks deep within 
the soul, for he is omnipresent, evermore. 



I'AKT SKCONJ). 95 



CHAPTER XVII.- AN INDIAN, A WHIP' 

Now I will tell that Avliich to you may ^eem 
sport. An Indian was at our home one day, and 
very troublesome. The Indian was in the door- 
yard. Mr. Murray wished to be at work, but was 
by the Indian detained. Then Mr. Murray drew 
his large ox whip, and I>tepped between the two, 
fearful that the Indian would be angry and re- 
vengeful. Mr. Murray cracked the whip above 
the Indian's head, and said, ''Clear out, you In- 
dian." The Indian jumped away, then laughed 
hard as he could laugh. The reason for his mirth 
I cannot define, unlesslit were the novelty of his 
escape ; but this I know, with hasty steps he left 
our home, to[find his dusky friends at camp. 



96 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XVIIL-SQUAWS. "GIVE ME 
THAT CUP;^ 

More of Indian mirth I will tell : Two squaws 
came to our house. They had a pappoose strapped 
on a board ; they wished molasses, Avhich I gave 
them in cups. I watched the teaspoons they were 
using : soon I saw one was missing. I walked 
c-lose by and down into a budget looked and saw 
it shine. I put my hand within the budget and 
the teaspoon took. When they were gone, my 
little Martha said, "Ma, the squaw that had a little 
pappoose, took away my pretty cup.'' I looked 
and saw it was gone, then ran — hard as I could — 
and when I overtook the squaws, said, "Give me 
that cup.'' A squaw took the cup from under her 
belted blanket, got a little more molasses with her 
finger from the cup, then I took it ; and when I 
had turned homeward, they laughed as though 
they had been glad ; and in a very merry mood 
they were. 



•AIM- SKCOM). 



CHAPTER XIX.-THE INDIAN LULLABV. 

I will relate what some child might please to read; 

For dilldren oft of others like to hear. 

Caw Indians on'-e were seated in our room. 

One had \oi\q; braided hair, 

Han2:in,i> back with beads upon the ends. 

My little Martha walked round. 

Took liold of the beads. 

And at them looked. 

The Indian whirled, and (-aught her in his arm<, 

He dandled hushed and sung, 

But she the louder sr-reamed. 

I said, "Give me that child;" 

And then the music stopped. 

But in the room an old dark squaw was seated. 

And with her fingLire> she comb3d her straight 

black hair. 
But if these are stories very small, [Truth. 

Dear child please look in God's holy Book of 
And there you may read of th^ lovely Je^u^: 
The babe of Bethlehem, 
Whom wicked Herod souglit to slay. 
Now if you wish to read that 
Which may wisdom give, 
Then study close the life of that Holy CUiild, 
The Son of G3i, the babe of Bethlehem. 



^S IXCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XX.-STRATAGEM, THE 
WICKED, THEY WANTED WHISKY. 

We had a visit one day from a number of 
Indians who were partially intoxicated. They 
said, "Give us whisky." They carried long spears 
in their hands, and looked dangerous. I told 
them they were "mistaken in the place; for we 
never kept any whisky at our house." They said, 
they "heard there was some in the country, and 
were going to have it." 

They started for the house of a Mr. H. There 
they found a barrel that contained whisky, and 
started to carry it off. Then Mr. H. said to his 
son, "Throw the yard fence down quick, so those 
white men can rush in fast, and take these 
Indians." Then they dropped the barrel and ran 
off. Mr. H. had only used a stratagem, and the 
Indians had shown cowardlyness. 

The wisest, and most commendable deed 
would have been, to have made an opening in the 
Iiarrel, and let the whisky run out on the ground. 

Mr. H. had tried, like the wolf in a fable, to 
clothe himself in sheep's clothing, or to hide the 
worst side of his wicked doings. 

His wife had terrible spasoms: perhaps one 



TART saCONl). 00 

cause might have been, the trial of having such 
a wicked companion. 

They lived for a time a mile and a half from 
us. They were then the nearest white settlers; 
and when he had got all the money and work of 
Mr. Murray he could get, then I heard him swear, 
lie would kill his own family. 

I saw him take his coat off, and tell his old 
father, with oaths on his tongue; he would wliiij 
him, if he said one word on political questions. 

I heard him tell a Mr. Miller, that he ^'killed a 
man in the state of Virginia, and ran away from 
justice, to the state of Missouri.'' And we were 
creditably informed, he had been run off from 
Missouri for misdemeanors. I heard him express 
his disregard for law, and realized that we had 
more of an introduction, to the way of the 
wicked, than was desirable. The way of peace 
they have not known. Their road is crooked, 
and leads to death. And I would with the poet 
say. 

Oh, dismal s^.ate of dark desjiair, 

To s?e my God remove, 
An 1 fix my doleful station, niiere 
I must not taste His Love. 



100 IXOII>ENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHPTER XXI.-CHASING WOLVES. 

Soon other settlers came to the country; our 
county ^Yas organized, and the town of Marion 
Center was commenced. In a short time after 
our first settling in the Cottonwood Valley, we 
ccmimenced a little fun, which I will here relate. 

Mr. Murray never owned a gun, and there were 
plenty of wolves in our vicinity. Some of differ- 
ent kinds; the smaller ones we did not fear. 

One morning when we were all seated at 
breakfast, we heard a disturbance with the fowls 
in the yard, and heard them fly up on some new 
rails near the house. We suspected what was up 
and went cpiickly to the door. There stood Mr. 
\\\)lf, on his hind feet, his fore paws on the rails, 
and his moutliopen for a grab at the fowls before 
him; just back of him stood a wolf watching the 
fun, and about three steps from him another one 
ir^itting down watching the first, and a little fur- 
ther on another sat. I picked up a clap-board 
that lay in the yard, and drew it in a threatening 
manner, spoke loudly, and walked toward them. 
They started off, but as soon as I was silent, they 
would sit down and look at me. Sometimes I 
stopped to look at them; then, with board in 
hand, rushed at Jthem, at the same time making 



PART SKCONI). KJl 

what noise I could. In this way I often ran them 
from our yard. But one day my two eldest chil- 
dren said: ''We will never run Avolves so far 
again; for we chased two wolves a (luarter of a 
mile, and they sat down by a fence and would 
not go, but looked at us as though they meant 
liarm." Then I^said: '"Sure you must not go so 
far to chase wolves again.'' 



102 INCIDENTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXIL-MR. GRAY COAT. 

But one morning, when seated at our accus- 
tomed refreshment, we heard noise from the fowls 
about six rods from the door. 

I started with clap-board in hand; and, at the 
foot of a bank stood a large, heavy, gray animal, 
with heavy, black hair hanging thick and lengthy 
along the neck. I went right down the bank, 
toward Mr. Gray Coat. He would not turn 
around and run, but backed off side- ways, all the 
time looking me in the face. In this way I fol- 
lowed him, making what noise I could, looking at 
him, stepping toward him as he backed off, until 
he had passed over the little hill in the grove, and 
was nearing the creek bank. Then, in my haste 
to get out of the woods, I did not stop to count 
steps. 

I have seen three other species of wolves, but 
never saw but the one that looked liked that. I 
have seen large, dark, heavy buffalo wolves; and 
the high, lank, timber wolves; and the smaller 
prairie wolves; but if that animal, which I chased 
from that bank of earth, near our home, and 
then across the wood, was a wolf there is no oth- 
er species that I h ave seen, larger or more dan- 
gerous. 



PART SKl'ONI). lOM 



/ / 



CHAPTER XX III.- AN INVITATION. A 
SABBATH SCHOOL. 

When busily employed with the occupations 
of domestic life, I heard a getleman conversin.i> 
with Mr. Murray, in our yard. 

After a short time Mr. Murray came into the 
house and said: ''Mr. Phillip Frank has come ten 
miles— from Cedar Creek. There has been a mii^- 
sionary through that part of the country. The 
settlers along that stream, with the missionary's 
help have secured a Sabbath School library; but 
there is not any one to open or close the Sabbath 
School with prayer. Mr. Frank said he thought 
he would come and see if we would attend the 
Sabbath School; and if you go, you will have to 
lide on an ox wagon without any box, but only a 
plank. 

I said: 'T will go." Accordingly, the next 
Sabbath we went five miles to a Sabbath School, 
with our (-hildren three, and happy as though we 
had in a gilded carriage rode. 

We found a goodly number of parents and 
children there for Sabbath School. A gentleman, 
by the name of Wrenfro, at whose house the 
Sabbath School was held, remarked: "My house 



lt)4 ixcii)e:nts of frontier life. 

it? open for any religious services." And, after the 
hour of school was past Mr. Wrenfro and his hos- 
pitable lady said: "You must not return to your 
home until you have dined with us." 

Their dwelling was a double log house of com- 
modious dimensions, and well filled at our religi- 
ous gathering. After such services, their table 
was amply supplied with excellent, nourishing 
food. Their hospitality seemed unbounded. 

Buffalo meat, venison and fish were part of the 
viands. 

At first their kindness almost overcame my self 
control, and my feelings would choke my utter- 
ance. 

Soon after the organization of the school, an 
old gentleman, who stayed with his son on the 
Cottonwood Valley, and had acted in the capaci- 
ty of a local preacher, visited our school, and 
preached two sermons; and we had cne prayer 
meeting in which three prayers were offered 
which was very cheering and beneficial to me. 

The last sermon that the elderly gentleman 
preached to the people of Cedar Creek, he told 
the people ''either brother or sister Murray 
will read for you a sermon once in two weeks." 
The poor old preacher had to seek a home in oth- 
er lands, for he met with unkindness from a 
wicked son. The last ti me I saw his face, he steed 
on a vehicle that was leaving the Valley. Look- 
ing back, he said: "Farewell! farewell! farewell 
Kansas!*' But no doubt before this hour in which 



I'AKT SECOND. 



Hi; 



we write, lie has been rejoicing with the rasomed 
in that blessed land, where fullness of peace and 
joy leaves no room for sorrow or woe. 




100 IXCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXIV.-READING SERMONS, 
SINGING, CELEBRATION. 

Mr. Murray toiled, and labored far more than 
liis health j^^eemed to justify; he could not always 
attend our place of worship. Therefore I was 
chosen superintendant of the Sabbath-school: 
and Mr. Murray said, he "wished me to read 
sermons to the people,'' as they also desired: 
a'-cordingly I acted in that capacity and never 
failed to be present at such appointments, till 
more than four years had passed away. Our 
friend, Mr. Philip Frank, taught the children to 
sing, and led the singing at our religious servi- 
ces. Our sermons were read from the Rev. 
Wesley's writhigs, or from Bishop Morris' 
sermons. Oar heavenly Father granted His aid 
and blessings. I numbered and read our hymns 
which were sung with the spirit and understand- 
ing, and after sermons God helped me to speak 
whatever His Holy Spirit dictated on the occa- 
sion. 

Once a Mr. S. at the time when persons were 
gathering for service, seemed inclined to sport; 
but a hymn was sung, commencing, 

"Jesus let thy i)itying eye, 
C'-all back a wandering sheep. 



PART SKCONI). 107 

False to thee, like Peter, I 
Would fain like Peter weep." 

And we sung again, 

"O, Love Divine, how sweet Thou art." 

Then a serious attention was expressed on 
every countenance, and God was there with His 
Divine blessing and heart-felt presence. 

On a fourth of July occasion, parents and 
children for miles around, assembled in a grove 
near Cedar Creek. Mr. P. Frank, acted as presi- 
dent of the day, and displayed the spirit of an 
excellent citizen. He arranged the children, and 
trained them to sing for the celebration. He 
supplied the bountiful free repast, with some 
things which made a draft on his purse. Mr. F. 
made some remarks concerning our National 
Independance. We had singing, prayer and 
speeches from the children; singing, then inter- 
mission and free dinner. Friendship on all sides 
was unbounded. Then Mr. F. came to me and 
said, "We want you to give us an address." 
There were only a very few minutes for consider- 
ation. The seats Avere again resumed, utmost 
stillness prevailed, then the voice of song 
resounded through the grove. God ciuickened. 
enlightened and blessed. We spoke of the first 
introduction of Sabbath-schools, the happy influ- 
ence of religion on youth, the consolations of the 
same in riper years; of intemperance as an evil, 
and the progress and pra^*tice of temperance as 



1«)S 



INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



truly commendable; and of the beneficial ret>ultj< 
of Christianity in the civilizing of nations. 
Leaving ourselves in the hands of Almighty 
(rod; after singing and prayer, we left for our 
homes. 







PART SKroM>. 100 



( HAPTER XXV.-NO MACHINERY. 
HEAVY TOIL. 

After reaching- our dwelling, the busy oocupa- 
tioni^ of life were resumed; we had not the ma- 
chinery which now helps to lighten toil. But 
Mr. Murray cut his wheat with a cradle, and I 
raked it into bunches with a garden rake, then 
Mr. Murray bound it in bundles, and I and the 
children shocked it ui). When it Avas stacked, I 
pitched the bunches for him to stack, and 
morning and evening milked several coavs. But 
a heavy pain in one arm and shoulder, attended 
with numbness, often prevented my rest at night. 
Yet, we tried to do all we could, for Mr. Murray 
had no other help. The flail, with which our 
grain was threshed, was formed by tying two 
sticks together, and leaving one to fly like a heavy 
lash, to strike the unthreshed grain. That sort 
of Avork Mr. Murray should not have done, a< 
anything like dust Ava^ injurious to his lungs. 



110 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXVI. -PRAIRIP: FIRE, GODS 

HELP. 

The grass on the prairie was growing more 
dry every day. The smoke of the prairie fires in 
the distance were numerous. There were indica- 
tions of an approaching conflagration, and no 
protection for anything combustible. And only 
Indian trails through th3 grass north and west 
of us. 

We were beginning to have some experience 
in these things, and found that by taking advan- 
tage of the wind we could w^hip out the fire with 
wet sacks and brush. 

Smoke and fire appearing still more near, gave 
us cause for action. Mr. Murray said: 'T will go 
and whip out prairie fire from a bend of the Cot- 
tonwood river across to another stream below." 

Mr. Murray and our eldest daughter went to 
the scene of the fire, and were gone a long time. 

Our youngest children were sleeping. Once 1 
thought the fire was nearly out on the hills, but 
then it spread and was running in a solid line. 
The flames dispelling the darkness of night. I 
took a sack in a pail of water, and in haste went 
to the line of fire, and commenced to battle witli 
the flames, by beating the burning sod with the 



PART SKOONI). ! 1 I 

tlie wet sack. Thus I whipped out fire for fully 
one long mile. I saw that Mr. Murray was not 
near, and the wind had raised, I went to our 
home, and found Mr. Murray and my daughter. 

I said: The fire is coming fast.'' He remark- 
ed, "I have whipped it all out.'' 

The mistake was that the fire had caught back 
and spread, and was running in a loug line. 
swept forward by the wind. 

Mr. Murray started to meet the advancing 
conflagration. I accompanied him. We toiled 
rapidly to stay the impending evil, but a strong 
wind carried it swiftly forward. Then Mr. Mur- 
ray said: ''You go to the house and watch thiu.i^s 
there; parhaps I can do a little here.' I went and 
got two pails of water, and another sack, and 
went b3twa3n tha field fence and the fire 
and sat down in the grass. Then I prayed: "OI 
our Heavenly Father, Thou canst stop the con- 
suming element. Thy hand is omnipotent. Thou 
canst say hither shaltthou come and no further." 

The grass was very dry. The wind was high, 
and there was a long line of fire. The fire went 
out all along the line of hills north of our home. 
I know it was God who done that work; for the 
ravines and bottom land was full of dry grass, 
and nothing but the hand of Providence stayed 
those flames. 

The trustinu: child of (toiI, 
Tli()ii<2^h like the Hebrew children tried. 
Shall eon<iiier every foe. 
For lo, witli tluin the fourth, 
The Son of (iod was seen. 



112 lyCIDEXTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXVII.-WHAT WE HAD FOR 
FOOD. 

I heard one say: ''What did you have for food 
on the frontier of Kansas?'' 

I will tell you. Mr. Murray's health was poor. 
He never went on a buffalo hunt; and when lie 
went to mill sometimes, he could get nothing but 
shorts. Our bread was often made of corn meal. 
8ome times we had wild fruit, but very little 
meat. Sugar and molasses were scarce, at 
our home. Cbffee and tea from stores did not vis- 
it us. 

However, we made substitutes of rye and prai- 
rie tea. In the winter we scarcely ever had any 
milk, for our c-ows would go so far on the range, 
the milk would fail, for we would not get them 
always. We kei)t fowls which were much help, 
and through the spring and summer we had 
plenty of good milk and butter. 

\\V called all persons our neighbors within 
ten miles from us. Some times they would send 
us buffalo meat, which is wholesome food; but 
when we had nothing except warm shorts bis- 
cuit, my children received them thankfully, and 
I felt as thankful as though we had dined on 
ri<'h viands, at a king's table; and our songs were' 



PART SKCONl). 113 

a^ cheery as the happy birds in the groves 
along the streams. 

I did not wish our cows to fail in milk, and 
went three miles on foot to find them. One night 
they did not come home, but with the first sign 
of day, I carefully left my home, when all my 
family were asleep in slumbers of the twilight, 
and went about three miles on foot, got the cows, 
and returned about breakfast time. My family 
had just begun to think, "where's mother?" but 
the children were glad of nice milk, and this is a 
true saying: 

"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, 
Than feasting and liatred therewith." 



114 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXVIII.- ELEVEN DAYS AB- 
SENT. HE WENT TO MILL. 

Mr. Murray had to go to Council Grove, forty- 
fi\*e milefci or to Emporia, fifty miles from us, to 
get any milling done, and some times could not 
get it done, but had to exchange for whatever 
he could get. Once the mill at Emporia was 
broken, and was undergoing repairs. Mr. Mur- 
ray- was not well when he left home, and we felt 
anxious about him. He was gone eleven days, 
whi( *h was longer than usual. Our bread failed, and 
my children lived three days on boiled wheat. I 
did not dare to let my children know how much 
I feared something had went wrong, as to their 
father's health. 

In all such journeys he camped by the road 
side, and seldom stopped at night at any dwelling. 
I went to our nearest neighbor's house and told 
them our fears and anxiety, and they kindly 
promised that if Mr. Murray did not come home 
that night, a man should start the next morning 
to find him. Then I went two miles to hunt the 
cows; and when returning, saw his wagon come 
in sight. The children Avere soon running to 
meet and wek*ome their father. We soon met, 
and were glad to find him well. He told us he 



PAirr sKC(»xi>. 115 

liad to go luucli farther than Emporia, and then 
liad to wait yome time to t^'et anything. And w^, 
like Paul, of whom we read in God's holy Book, 
have learned both how to abound and how to 
suffer need. 

oil I may wc, wlicii this sliort litV is done, 

An unbroken nunibei- make, 

Sl) near the tree of life in heaven; 

That, in eoncert we may take the o'cdden fruit, 

And of the livinu' fountain drink; 

Whicli Hows from tlie white throne. 



116 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXIX.-IN ALL OUR WALKS, 
AND LABORS HAPPY. 

We had to cross the Cottonwood river to gat 
any sprhig water. S3m3thii3s a sprhig afforded 
water about a half mile from hom3, SDmetimas 
we had to go much farther; and when Mr. 
Murray would coma in from work, I knew he 
would be thirsty. Therefore I always brought 
cool fresh water to the house for his benefit. I 
kept a Testament in my pocket, and read a 
chapter, as I walked in the pathway. I generally 
carried a small hymn book also, and if the 
country had been a desert, it seemed to blossom 
as the rose, and with gladness to break forth into 
singing. 

Mr. Murray worked very hard, considering his 
state of health, and when he came in from labor, 
sometimes he would get down on some hard 
place to rest. Then I would place a pillow under 
his head. And I know that as long as he lived, 
he remembered with gratitude, the many little 
attentions he received. 

I carried our wood from the time spring com- 
menced, till winter arrived at the close of fall, 
in my arms from a grove near by. And in all our 
walks and labors, we were happy; and why 



I* ART SEOON'l). 11*7 

should we not be? Paul and Sila?* sung the 
praises of God in prison, and their feet made fast 
in the stocks. But free as the birds in the groves, 
we could hold sweet communion with God. And 
our lovely children run to meet us in our pathway 
and we could sing: 

"Our pathway bright, 
With heavenly light. 
And innocence, and smiles; 
Though satan grudge, 
The vain might scorn, 
Yet Jesus blest His own." 



118 IX(;il)ENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXX.- THROUGH A SNOW 
BANK AND GOT WOOD. 

Mr. Murray could work in pleasant weather, 
bat sure as there was a change of weather and 
snow, his lungs distressed him, and he was sick. 
It snowed very hard one night, and snow drifts 
were very deep. The down wood in the timl^er 
was all hid by the snow. No wood at the house, 
and Mr. Murray sick in bed. 

I took our ax, and found my way through a 
snow drift, down a high l:)ank to timbered land, 
cut limbs from trees, and carried them to the 
house for wood. By this means we were comfort- 
able; and, after a few hours Mr. Murray's health 
returned. 

There was about three years of frontier life 
that our nearest neighbors east of our dwelling were 
three miles off, and at that time we did not know 
of any settlers west of us. The place where Ma- 
rion Center now stands, was in a north-west di- 
rection, and very few settlers were then near 
the place. But antelope and Indians ranged 
at large on the wide-spreading plains, or near the 
<x)oling streams. 



PART SECOND. 119 



CHAPTER XXXL- RED PAINT AND WAR 

SONGS. 

One day, about this time, a large Indiaii came 
into our dwelling, seated himself, and proceeded 
to put much red paint on his face, and in his hair. 
Then he stood before our glass and surveyed his 
copper-colored and painted visage. Perhaps he 
thought he made an elegant appearance, for he 
soon commenced to dance and sing Indian war 
songs in his own dialect. Surely such sounds 
could never be music for any but a savage. 



llH) IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXXIL- CEDAR CREEK SNOW 
STORM. 

After caret* of the week were over, and the holy 
Sabbath had shed a soft Ught on all nature 
round, I started on horseback for Cedar Creek, 
where parents, youths and little children 
met to sing songs of Zion, and consider the lan- 
guage of the revealed will of God, and to listen 
to the councils of His servants, who "though 
dead yet spoke/' 

We had left our little family with the peace- 
ful halo of the sacred Sabbath around them, 
and as usual, our gathering together was truly 
beneficial. There had been rain, but when I 
went to return home, there was round snow fall- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Wrenfro, at whose house we 
had met, went to see me on the horse. The wind 
was driving rather roughly, and they had wrap- 
ped me all around with a thick blanket, and put 
it over my head. After I started I found that if 
I uncovered my face the wind drove the snow in 
my eyes so that I could not see. I therefore kept 
the blanket sheltering my face from the driving 
storm. I guided my horse in one direction, and 
he tried to go in another course. Soon I saw I 



PARI' SKCC>X1). 1-Jl 

wa« lost. Then I gave the horse loose rein, and 
he took me the straight way for home. 

The next day, while engaged in our duties of 
life, Mr. H., whom we have already mentioned, 
entered our dwelling. He was very full of laugh 
and said to me: 

"You got lost yesterday, for I saw your horse's 
tracks. How glad I would have been, if you had 
got away off on some distant stream and had to 
stay all night. It would do me more good than 
anything else, if you would have had to stay out 
doors and lost, without any fire, and in that 
storm." 

Then I said that if I had stayed all night in 
the storm, far from habitations, not knowing 
whither I had wandered, it would not have harm- 
ed me, for I had been doing my duty, and I would 
have been very happy. I know that I should 
have praised God for helping me to suffer so 
much for Christ's sake. His countenance chang- 
ed to that of solidity. He said nothing more, 
but soon went to his own quarters. 

Our God can quell the hate o^' man, 

And bless with honor, strength and grace, 

His trustincr little ones. 



ll^2 IXriDKNTS OF FKONTIEK LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXXIII.-FOUR SAVAGES. 

Mr. Murray was absent from our dwelling. I 
and my children were employed with our accus- 
tomed duties, or entertainments. When four 
large dark looking savages, entered our dwelling. 
Those Indians were much darker than the Caws, 
and all the clothing they wore was just one small 
piece. They spoke no engiish, but seated them- 
selves in our room and sharpened large knives, 
then they felt the edges with their fingers, to see 
if they Avere rightly prepared for use. They 
appeared very grum, and wild. 

We were defenceless to human appearance, 
yet our trust was in Him that made the world, 
and holds by power Omnipotent the (-ircling 
orbs, and in that power we were safe and free 
from harm. 



i'AIiT SHCONI). I'i- 



C HAPTER XXXIV.-MET THE CANNONS^ 
ROAR. 

War, within the bounds of our beloved Union, 
our lovely country, which has caused many 
happy homes, to b3 shrouded in mourning, was 
in progress. My youngest brother went to meet 
the canon's roar— the smoke and din of numerous 
l^attles, and to behold the horrors of war. His 
innocent face in childhood and youth, is pictured 
on the mind's eye of memory, in lines too vivid 
ever to be effaced. And when manhood liad Imt 
recent marked him for its own, that l:)rother of 
manly form, gentlemanly in deportment, stand- 
ing high in intelligence, and on the very pinnacle 
of educational fame, to whom higher science 
had proved but pleasant pastime, esteemed and 
loved by all who knew him, left his widowed 
mother, whose anxiety was far reaching, and 
very extreme for his safety, and went to meet 
scenes of conflict. 

He had been editor of a paper in Goshen. 
Indiana, when a mere youth, and now mother 
sent us the papers in which a number of his 
letters were printed, giving accounts concerning 
battles, in which he had been engaged. He also 
wrote to my daughter Mary, expressing kind 



12^ IN'CIDEXTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. 

sentiments, and much sympathy, for suffering, 
distressed fellow beings, with whom he met. 
And those who may still survive the ravages of 
war, and were in company I, 74tli regiment of 
Indiana volunteers, would gladly testify, that his 
kindness, noble bearing and generous spirit, has 
not all been told. 

Captain Everiett Abbott sustained a relation 
to the readers of a political paper for the period 
of five years. '• And with reluctance he gave the 
parting hand to the brethren of the press. We 
here quote some of his farewell language. 

''AH the feelings -of bitterness which have 
been engendered by political antagonism liave 
been forgotten by me, and henceforth I shall only 
retain the memory of so much of my intercourse 
with them, as has been mutually pleasurable. 
Farewells at this time, when the country is calling 
for speedy action, should be briefly spoken. 
And so to readers and friends, one and all, good 
bye." 

His influence for good morals and literature, 
was highly felt while in the army, by all with 
whom he was associated. 

Only twenty-one years of age at the time 
when he left the printing office, in Goshen, yet 
his young life blood soon to be laid at Columbia's 
feet. Among some of the pure sentiments of his 






*Wm. A. Beau is editor of the same paper at the present 
time. 



PART SECOND. 1-2 o 

yoTithful mind, we notice prose which we here in- 
fc^ert as a memoria: 

LIKE AN ANGEL. 

" 'Wliy, you would have me like an angel I' 
Said a young and beautiful girl, accompanying 
the expression with a toss of the head, and a 
light, but somewhat disdainful laugh. Perhai :s 
the words were addressed to a maiden aunt, who 
may have been reproving her rather severely for 
some thoughtless coquetery. And why not be 
like an angeK Indeed there can be no harm in 
becoming so. 

''Angels are said to be very beautiful, and 
which is far more to be desired, their natures 
(•orrespond with their forms. They are gentle, 
(compassionate, loving and sinless. These are not 
forbidden traits. Angels cherish no evil passions 
in their 'bos 3ms. They wreathe not their faces in 
smiles, while hatred and envy are corroding their 
hearts. They entioa not with the eye to cast 
coldly away with the lip. In their beautiful 
home they meet not together to asperse the char- 
ai'ter of the absent. They rejoice not in injury 
t ) anyone. We are told that among them are 
seraphs and cherubs— beings of beauty, tender- 
ness, and love, and though you have not their 
wings, your beautiful form will befit the virtues 
( f which they are possessed. 

"Do ycu never wish that you may sometime 



l'2d ISCIDKST.^ OF FROXTIER LIFE. 

really bacome an angel^ If so, hs as near as pos- 
sible like one now. Be pure in thought, and 
gentle in spirit. Discipline your mind by good 
deeds for the high destiny. By this means you 
will surely become, if not a bright angel in 
heaven, at least what is next to it, a true woman 
(m earth.'' 

The lines we have here inserted, was written 
when the author was fifteen years of age. We 
pass by many other sentiments equally ennobling 
and refined and leave him on battle fields meet- 
ing a soldier's lot, beloved 1:)y the company who 
claimed him as their captain, to which position 
he had risen by merit. And we return for a 
reason to those scenes that transpired around us. Ii 



PART SKCONI). 



CHAPTER XXXV.-DOLEFUL LAMENTA- 
TIONS. 

Runiory frequently reached us of bands of 
Indians led by white men, making depredations 
in some parts of the country. The Caw Indians 
were loyal to our nation, and some other tribes 
iseemed to wish them extinguished. 

One day several Caws entered our dwelling; 
they were painted red, and said, they were ''on 
the war path." They remained in the house a 
short time, begged a little, then took a westward 
trail. 

The Indians west of us, used mnch effort to 
prevent the Caws from hunting buffaloes, driving 
the buffaloes farther back, and westward, and 
killing the Caws. 

After a feAV days had elai)sed, the ('aws 
returned from their westward course, and camped 
half a mile from us. That night the doleful 
lamentations, and horid ix)wwow, seemed as 
though it had issued from some dismal i)it. 
When the morning STin was sheding forth its 
halo of light, Mr. Murray directed his morning 
walk to their cam}). He made some incjuiries. 
and the Indians told him, their enemies had shot 
one of their number, and killed him, and they 



128 



INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER I>IFF. 



were conveying him back to their burial ground. 
Perhaps they imagined there was some merit in 
the doleful sounds uttered by that entire 
party of Indians, at the first dawn of day that 
morning. 




PART SK('OXD. 120 



CHAPTER XXXVL-A JOURNEY, A POW- 
WOW, AND BURIAL. 

We had made arrangements for a journey to 
Council Grove, near the Caw reserve, for the 
purpose of selling a load of wheat to buy cloth- 
ing with the value of the same. Five in number 
we started after having secured a gentle cow^ to 
the back of the wagon, thus providing for tlie 
nourishment of our children as we journeyed. 

We had to travel slowly. I carried with me a 
supply of good material for reading. After we 
had proceeded a few miles on our journey, we 
arrived at the dwelling of an acquaintance, 
where our Mary remained until our return. 
After traveling some miles further with our 
heavy loaded wagon, when about to ascend an 
elevation of land, we left our little son to drive 
the oxen (which he was accustomed to do), and 
walked back of the wagon. The oxen became 
unmanagable, and the child leaned hard on the 
fore-board, which came out. He was precipitated 
forward — the beard fell, and lay ( n his head. 
The oxen continued their course. One wheel of 
the wagon ran across one corner of the board, 
marking it and sliding off; one wheel also grazed 

9 



130 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

and bruised one hip. Mr. Murray picked him up: 
I said. ''Oh! is he killedf' but he soon spoke, 
;saying, "My head, OhI my head." We carefully 
placed him on the grass, and found cool water, 
with which we bathed his bruises. 

(Truly tlie future is vailed from our view and 
we know not what may be on the morrow.) But 
again we proceed on our way. When the hour 
to camp for the night arrived, we found ourselves 
near the Caw reserve land. Indians came round 
our camp fire, but said nothing, and soon left us. 
That night their powwow, exceeded all we had 
previously heard. They had something with 
which they made a ringing sound, and their 
doleful noises all in concert with the same. 
There were many Indian camps along the 
stream, on the bank of which we had stopped. 
The powwow, undescribable, would commence 
with one camij and take a perfe(*t round. Then 
the sounds would start round again, from one 
camp to another. 

When morning arrived, and displayed the 
autumnal dress of nature, we were reminded of 
an ever present Deity. And soon we were on our 
journey. When we had passed along some distance 
and in sight of high hills, a procession of 
Indians came from some timber, and crossed a 
strip of prairie, carrying a dead Indian, on a rude 
bier, formed with poles and strips of bark, and 
carried by four large Indians. The dead Indian 
Avas wrapped in his blanket and in the manner 



PART SE0ONI>. l:]\ 

described, carried to the top of the highest hill 
visible. Our observations could extend no fur- 
ther, as to the proceedings of that oc;casion. But 
I have stood on the top of a high hill, not far from 
my home, and looked into a rude enclosure 
formed by a circle of rocks, and within that 
circle, beheld the bones of an Indian, also other 
bones, and I suppose they had killed his pony 
and dog, that they might bear him company, to 
the better hunting groi;:nds. 

We arrived at the place of our destination: 
Mr. Murray sold the wheat he had brought for 
market; we secured things necessary and moved 
homeward. 



^^- 



132 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXXVIL-TEXAS, AND MEXI- 
CAN TRAINS, A FARCE. 

But ere the journey was over, we had wit- 
nessed the movements of Mexican and Sante Fee 
trains, of wliich if we had taken some note, we 
conld better describe at this time. Council Grove 
was a trading point for Mexican trains— other 
trains conveyed provision from that point, to 
distant forts. The American government trains, 
with large government wagons, were drawn fre- 
({nently from that point by cattle; but the Mexi- 
can trains had six span of ponies, attached to 
each large loaded wagon. 

The Mexicans rode astride their ponies, and I 
think no other person could throw their long 
lash of whip with the same dexterity, and 
certainty of effect which they did, as they 
uttered their peculiar ''twang and cliee.'' A train 
was not composed of one wagon and its append- 
ages, but of a number, and sometimes their line 
of procession was quite extensive. I have wit- 
nessed their movments at several different times. 
Once as we stopped to prepare an evening repast, 
and camp for the night, a Mexican Train stopped 
a little distance from us, kindled their camp fire, 
arranged their ponies for the night, and seated 



PART SECOXI). ]:]:] 

roimcl in squads, partook of their food. Then 
some of them walked near and gazed at us. 
Their curiosity having subsided, they returned 
in a short time to their own camp. Then com- 
menced a pretended battle. I suppose there 
were not less than sixty Mexicans in that com- 
pany. They made much noise and brandished 
large Iwwie knives in the air; and motioned as 
though they would plunge their weapons, into 
the bodies of the ones with whom they were 
engaged. Their bright camp fire with the clear 
beams of a full moon shining round, made every 
movement very visible. 

After their commotion had abated, and those 
boistrous ones had retired within their camp, I 
committed my family and myself anew into the 
care of Omnipotence; and after refreshing slum- 
liers rose at an early hour to prosecute our jour- 
ney. 

There is much variety in the face of the 
country in the state of Kansas. Some parts by 
nature are more calculated for cultivation than 
others. The skirting groves, the rippling streams, 
the level bottom land prairies, or the gradual 
rolling plains, or more steep ascents, all show 
forth the works of God. But we are again at our 
dwelling on the Cottonwood valley, ready to 
resume our occupations there. 



84 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII.-A PAIR OF MOCCA- 
SINS. 

I taught each one of our children to read 
when they were quite young. Books took up 
much of their time and attention; especially our 
Mary, whose delight in learning was constant. 
The Caws would be very quiet when my children 
were studying their books. 

There was a missionary a short time at the 
Grove. An Indian acted as interpreter; he often 
visited our dwelling, and spoke very good English. 
Once he brought his squaw with him, and said, 
"We are hungry.'' I prepared a table for their 
refreshment. After the meal was over, the 
Indian spoke a few words in his own dialect; 
then the squaw opened a budget, from which she 
drew a beautiful pair of moccasins, covered with 
flowers formed with beads. She made me a 
present of them. And in speaking of me to our 
neighbors afterwards, he called me his mother. 
The Indian just mentioned, called his name 
William Johnson. He was a chief. Once several 
Indians came with him to our home. When they 
commenced to beg, he ordered them to leave, and 
they obeyed. Then he told me, "They don't need 
anything." 



PART SKCONI). 135 

Will. Johnson said, ''White men atout the 
(irrove, would steal horses, and say the Indians 
had done it." He said, ''White men are just as 
bad as Indians." 

We afterwards found, that a gang of horse 
thieves, had made their head quarters at the 
Grove. The law was put in force and their 
opperations checked. The Caws sold many furs 
and buffalo robes at Council Grove. 



lot) INTIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XXXIX.-^'SISTER, PLEASE 
GIVE ME A CUP OF WATER." 

When occupied with household duties, and 
sometimes singing the sacred hymns which we 
had learned in other days, we heard a sound of 
coming steps, and saw an Indian ride before the 
door. He said, "Sister, please give me a drink of 
water." He took the cup which I presented, 
quaffed the sparkling draught, returned the cup, 
saying, "Thank you, sister." Then he placed his 
hand on his heart, and said, "Indian good in here, 
are you good too?" When I the infirmation gave, 
he bowed and went away. 

Thus we see a little of the refining influence, 
the sacred Gospel can bestow. 



PART SECOND. 1 M' 



CHAPTER XL.-DRIED IN INDIAN STYLE. 

After some time had elapsed, William Johnson 
again visited ns. He said, "I am going on a 
Buffalo hunt, and have nothing for bread." Mr. 
Murray lent him a sack, and let him have twenty- 
five pounds of flour. The Indians and their 
chief, were gone on their hunt about two weeks. 
When they returned, Wm. Johnson brought us 
very sweet, nice looking, Buffalo meat. It had 
been cut in strips and braided like basket work, 
cured or dried in Indian style, and several feet 
square. My children and some other persons, 
partook of the meat with relish, but I was pos- 
sessed of a little prejudice in the case, 



138 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIKR LIFE. 



CHAPTER XLI.— HE CAME FOR PROTEC- 
TION. 

One evening, as the sable curtain of night 
was closing round us and offering rest to the 
weary, an Indian presented himself at our door 
and desired to remain in our dwelling over night. 
I consulted Mr. Murray, then gave the permission 
and prepared a pallet on the floor; the Indian 
was soon stretched on it fast asleep. In the 
morning after rising from his rest, he asked for 
water, bathed freely, and partook of the morning 
meal which we offered. 

We were informed afterwards, that the 
Indian had c-ome to us for protection fi;om his 
enemies. 



;k«:<»ni). 1.3i> 



CHAPTER XLIL-THEY HAD ASHES ON 
THEIR HEADS. 

About an hour before the queen of day had 
closed her mission for those hours, several camps 
of Indians came in sight of our dwelling, and 
stopped for the night. Toward morning especially 
about the time a little sign of day appeared, 
many doleful sounds and lamentations, aross 
from their camps. The stillness of the night air 
allowed those sounds to reverl')erate along the 
groves, and streams. 

After the refreshments of the morning hour 
were over, and the reading of the Inspired Vol- 
ume, and family devotion led by our companion, 
Mr. Murray directed his steps toward the Indian 
(^amps; there he saw a scpiaw with ashes on her 
liead and face, her tears had made their lines, 
and mingled with the same; and half a dozen 
youths and pappooses had ashes on their heads, 
and their faces streaked with the same. Mr. Mur- 
ray inquired what was the cause of sorrow; they 
said, "One little chile die 'three days ago." 

The government l)uilt houses for the Caws, 
and the houses were painted white, but most 
of the Caws chose to put their ponies in the 
houses, and stay out in th »ir Indian t Mit< 
tliem selves. 



140 IXCIDEXTS OF FR>NTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XLIII.-FOUK 8AVAGES PULL- 
ED HIM FROM HIS HORSE. 

Mr. Murray Avas always pleased, that we 
i;>liould serve God faithfully, and do his will, and 
when he was not too much exhausted, with the 
toils in the week, he attended his family to the 
place of worship, bearing a part of the same. 
And religion was the sacred bond that united 
our souls in unison to God. 

After one of the services, which was closed 
with the benediction, a young man remarked: 'l 
have come twenty -five miles to this meeting, and 
would go that far any day to such a meeting.'' 
The young man just mentioned, was herding 
cattle west of us soon after that, and four large 
savages were seen to pull him from his horse, 
scalp him and drag him off- His poor old mother 
never saw him again. Often I have seen her tears, 
and anguish heave her breast, while of this kind 
son she spoke. 



PART SKCONI). 141 



CHAPTER XLIV.-A TRAIN ROBBED. 

About this time, a neighbor, who lived three 
miles east of us, Mr. Breiiot was employed to haul 
Ijrovisions to a fort. The Indians attacked his 
train, killed sixteen yoke of oxen, took posses- 
sion of all the provisions, and a young mare 
which Mr. Brenot had with him for riding i)ur- 
poses. Mr. Brenot and his hired men, merely 
saved their lives, from the power of the savages 
by flight. For when deadly weapons, and savage 
l)urposes were brought into a'^tion, that was 
their only resort. 

At that very time when Mr. B. was absent, a 
prairie fire swept away much of his property: 
thus he was subject to discouragment and loss. 



142 IXC[I>KXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XLV.-A STOLEN ANIMAL. 

Mr. Murray had bought a mare and colt, and 
it seemed very necessary that we should have the 
fc^ervice of the large animal; but soon they were 
missing. They were gone several months; but I 
felt perfectly assured, they would be restored. 
A neighbor entered our home, and after usual 
salutation, said, "The Kicapo Indians have sold 
your mare and colt for a sack of flour, a little 
south of here.'' He accompanied Mr. Murray, 
and when they returned, they brought the miss- 
ing animals. 

I had fully believed that God could and 
would restore them— we were His children— 
the necessity of our case seemed to demand their 
restoration. 



I 



TAUT SKC,>NI). 143 



CHAPTER XLVI.-AN INDIAN FEAST. 

Mr. Murray did not wish to keep a dog that 
had been given to him. A hirge Indian said, 
''Swap." The agreement was made, then the In- 
dian took a wide long belt of leather, covered 
with flat pieces of brass, lapping one on to the 
other the whole length of it. These he fastened 
on the animals neck with brass fastenings so 
securely that he knew we could not release him. 
Then the Indian refused to comply with the 
conditions of the trade. The savage held his 
butcher knife in hand and though much we 
regretted the fate of the animal; he was treated 
according to heathen dictation. 

The Indian made the dog open his mouth, into 
which he spit three times, said a few words in 
Indian language, looked the dog in the face, then 
threw tobacco in his mouth, and dragged the poor 
animal after him to his pony, then dragged him 
onward. 

I suppose the Indians feasted on the animal; 
for once they begged a cat, and when we passed 
near the camp, they had it dressed for their 
food. 



144 IXriDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XLVII.-ANTELOPE AND TUR- 
KEYS. 

I have seen antelope in gang^, of from fifteen 
t ) twenty-one; but Mr. Murray was no hunter, 
and never owned a gam. He said, '1 have no time 
to hunt;" and he was constantly employed. He 
said, 'T wish we had been married much before 
we were, and that I had always worked out in 
the open air, and not spent so much time in stilled 
air, in a shop. Sedentary employment is 
injurious, and farming is the most independant 
business." 

One morning when seated at breakfast, a gang 
of turkeys came close round the house. Mr. 
Murray said we should not frighten them away. 
We kept quiet till they left; then Mr. Murray 
made a large rail trap, and said they woiild be 
back again. Toward evening they returned: 
soon they all were caught. Then another flock 
of wild turkeys came round, and they shared a 
shnilar fate. He also made another trap, of dif- 
ferent dimension; and sometimes prairie fowls 
were caught. 

Mr. Murray was very reserved in speech; but 
when he spoke, it was with meaning. Of his 
children he thought much; and when two of 



I'AKT SK(')\I). 14") 

they were away from home, the Cottonwood 
stream was high, he thought they might bo 
drowned, and his anxiety was extreme; but 
soon they came. And when his little son had 
just put on new clothes, the child thought he 
would have a ride; he took a horse to water, and 
when he did not return, we thought perhaps the 
Indians had stole our child. And while I looked 
along the streams and called his name, Mr. Mur- 
ray hastened to a neighbor's house, and there 
found his boy. The children needed such a 
father to guard their steps from harm; to 
council and to lead, and save from youthful 
snares. 



10 



14(5 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIKK LIFE. 



CHAPTER XLVIII.-SCALPS OF ENEMIES. 

Incliaiis of different tribes, would often come 
round. Some Avore heavy bands of brass on their 
arms. Some had many holes cut in their ears, 
and rough rings inserted in the same; and from 
holes cut in their noses, rough rings hung. Some- 
times they carried by our door, the scalps of 
enemies; and once my children said, "Oh, ma, 
those Indians that just passed our door, had 
white men's scalps: they w^ere hanging from 
a pole, the hair was fine, and lighter color than 
the Indians' hair, and the hide which i:?howed was 
white, and they may kill us.'' I strove to soothe 
their fears and trusted in G-od. 

Alvout this time Mr. Catlin moved into a 
cabin just one mile from us. We were glad to 
have a neighbor near as that, on the frontiers. 



PART SKCONI), l-l-' 



CHAPTER XLIX.- FLIGHT FROM SAV- 
AGES. 

About dusk one evening, Mr. Catlin rode up 
to our door and said, 'The savage Indians out 
West, are coming right this way, and killing 
every hunter, and every one they meet, and 
driving oil or killing stock. I and my wife are 
going to start in a short time in our wagon, to 
get avv^ay from those wild Indians; and if you 
will get over to our housa very soon, you can ride 
with us in our wagon/^ Mr. Murray told me 
"'Take the children and go; but I shall remain; 
and if I ever leave, I never will come back; but 
if I am left alone, I vsull keep out of the Indians' 
way." 

I had just baked plenty of light loaves of 

bread. I placed several small loaves in a sack, 

and in another sack placed each one a change of 

clothes, tied them quickly together at the top, 

and placed them on a horse on which my children 

rode. We left Mr. Murray plenty of bread, milk 

and butter. We had very little time for parting 

words: our neigirnors could not wait. Indians 

might overtake us, and our scalps would pay tlie 

forfeit. 

We hurried on, and bv our neighbors yard 

10" 



14iS INCIDENTS OF FROMIER IJFK. 

two wagons stood, v\'itli a i'amiJy in each. Tliey 
(inickly took my children and our sacks into a 
wagon, and I on horse-back rode. Each ^vagon 
was supphed with those things which in their 
haste, they had gathered up for their necessities. 

But as we eastward hurried, a wagon-tire 
came ahnost off. We stopped and wrapped the 
tire W' ith rope, but our moments were very choice. 
Again, vrc hurried along. It was past.the hour 
for children's rest: my little William went to 
sleep, and dreamed that he saw Indians after 
him; then he jumped and went like he had 
wings, out of the wagon over on the ground. 
The company wondered, that the child seemed 
unhurt. 

After traveling twelve miles, we came to a 
good sized rock house. Families were all col- 
lected at that place from Cedar Creek; and from 
along on the Cottonwood. They had concluded 
in case of an attack, to make the rock house 
answer the purpose of a fort, and fight from tliat 
place if necessary. They also sent out men to 
watch the Indians, and find out what they were 
doing. They soon found that the Indians had 
changed their course, and went in another direc- 
tion; and after a day and two nights' absence, we 
returned home, found all right there, and Mr. 
Murray glad of our society again. The children 
had forgot, to all appearance, the hours of frigli^ 
and were glad to be at home. But soon wa 
heard a little, of what the Indians had done. 



TART SKCOXI). 140 



CHAPTER L.-SAVAGE INDIANS, A RACE 
FOR LIFE. 

Several of our neighbors, had been carelessly 
pursuing a westward course, looking at the face 
of the country, and pursuing wild game, when 
the Indians suddenly rushed near them, shot and 
killed one young man, and thought they had 
killed another. They shot and scalped him. He 
lay perfectly still on the ground, while they stuck 
spears into his feet, to see if he was dead. He 
was picked up by white people and afterwards 
recovered. 

They shot an arrow into the shoulder of one 
man, where it remauied for some time before it 
was extracted. The wound was inflicted when 
he was running from his foes. He succeeded in 
reaching the shelter of timber, and concealed 
himself along the banks of streams, till he arrived 
at his own settlement. 

A boy was in the company. Those that sur- 
vived, said, "They could not have been made to 
belive, any human being could have jumped as 
far as he did with every bound, while he fled 
from the Indians.'' I think he would never 
forget that race for life. 

Mr. Smith had a ranch near the Sante Fee 



150 



IXriDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



road. At that place the Indians contented them- 
selves, with driving off large fine horses. The 
man and his wife who kept the ranch, left very 
soon, fearing the Indians might return and take 
their lives. 



^-"^•^ 




TART SECOND. lol 



CHAPTER LL-ON A STORMY SEA, TES- 
TIMONY. 

And now, clear friend, iu view of the dangers 
with which we were surrounded, let no one 
suppose that God forgets for one moment, his 
lowliest child that trusts in Him. Often the 
power of grace preserves secure, a calm within 
the soul when dangers stand thick around. 

Once a lady on a stormy sea, was asked by her 
companion, ''How can you be so calm, when our 
boat may sink, very soon^" The Christian lady 
replied, 'Tf you should hold a dagger near my 
heart, do you think that I would fear, when in 
your truth and constancy I do confided Thus 
in the care of a God of love, I feel that all is 
right; and life or death, and all the elements He 
holds in His Almighty power." God often makes 
His jewels shine, amidst surrounding trials. And 
among those who fled from savage violence, there 
was one who bore testimony, in the face of 
scepticism, of the sealing power and truth of tlie 
revealed religion of the Redeemer of a fallen 
world, before those congregated families. And I 
fully believe, God will own such an one before 
His angels. 

Again our domestic duties were cheerfully 



152 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

and faithfully performed. It was ever our desire 
and aim to have our little family cleanly, comfort- 
able and happy. Just as regularly as I gave my 
children the food necessary for their existence, 
that often I taught them to read, or heard them 
recite what they had learned. And though dark 
clouds seemed to hang over the fate of the early 
settlers, and threatened their extinction, yet we 
could sing of love Divine, and talk with our 
Father, God. 



PAIIT ,SK( <»M). ]53 



CHAPTER LII.-MR. G., FLIGHT, LOSS, 
AND DiVNGER. 

Having walked out into the yard, I saw a man 
approaching, whom I had never met before. He 
was rather heavy built, and had a thick dirk 
beard and mustache on his face. He said, 'T had a 
ranch on an old Sante Fee road, and lived ninety 
miles out from any settlement; friendly Indians 
told me, that Indians were going to kill me and 
my family, and advised me to get away with my 
family very soon." That night, they placed 
articles for necessity or comfort in their wagon, 
geared their horses and brought round their 
steeds; and the wife, a child and a brother, 
started on a journey, to friends in the state of 
Missouri. The father remained to try to save 
property and meet the coming events. After his 
family had left, he went immediately, to look for 
his cattle. He found a number shot dead; the 
rest could not be found. He returned to the 
liouse and saw feathers flying in the air; the 
Indians had been there, they had cut open a feath- 
er bed, and shook out the feathers. They had 
carried off lard, sugar, flour and some other 
things. Next Mr. Green saw his dog laying shot 



154 INCIDENTS OF FRCJNTIEK LIFE. 

dead, and as he stood looking around, lie heard 
savage yells of Indians, and fled from his dwell- 
ing toward a stream. The Indians pursued him 
and he told us, ''For several hours I saw arrows 
glittering in the sun, as they were shot towards 
me, and I dodged them as I fled along the banks 
of the Cow Creek stream." He was very glad 
to reach our house and get food. 



i 



{•ART SECOND. 155 



chapt>:r liil- the threat, the con- 
clusion. 

Mr. Green said the Indians had told him, "All 
the white people on Cottonwood valleys, would 
be scalped before lon£>-.'' And he said if the 
Indians came in the country for depradations, 
they w-ould go straight for the houses in the 
prairie; and he thought w^e could hide ourselves 
from them, and live in some thick timl^er. He 
remarked, that "when the Indians had killed 
persons, they would immediately leave." He said, 
"Those Indians are accustomed to prairie; they 
are fearful of harm in the woods." We heard 
from other sources, that the Indians said, on a 
certain moon they would scalp every white settler 
in the country or near the Cottonwood. All per- 
sons living near us left the country. Some of them 
never returned. Mr. Murray wished to i)ut in 
fall wheat, and said, "If I fail, I will h^. broke ui). 
and would not know what to do." He went to 
find his oxen on the prairie; not finding them, 
he returned, saying, "We shall all be killed: I 
(•an't tell where my oxen are, and vre have 
no means of conveyance to get away with. 
I saw an Indian on a pony, in a skulking 
manner, near some bushes; and when the Indian 



156 IKC'IDENTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. 

saw me, lie lay over on the side of his pony, and 
fled rapidly. I think the Indian was a scout, and 
others will be in very soon, for murderous purpo- 
ses." He was painfully excited, saying, "What 
shall we do?" I said, "I will tell you. You want 
to put wheat in the field in order that you may 
have something provided for future necessities. 
We will go across the Cottonwood, into that 
heavy thick timber, and will take our stove, 
cooking utensils, bedding and clothing. AVe will 
keep quiet there. You can watch for the Indians 
as you work." 

There was a nice spring in the timber, and we 
soon carried this into effect. We moved to the 
woods, and lived there two weeks. We prepared 
a nice tent to sleep in, with curtains close around, 
to protect us from the millions of mosquitoes. 
Mr. Murray worked every day on his land, pre- 
pared his ground, and put in wheat. Sometimes 
I went home at night, and took chickens from 
their roost, to prepare for our food. We noticed 
every sound, we hushed every cry or noise from 
the children, and in case Indians came near our 
camp, the eldest children were to hide along the 
brush, and go East as fast as they could, while I 
carried or helped the youngest along in the same 
direction. But after two weeks had passed we 
found there was less prospect of evil to the 
settlers, and some were now at their homes: ac- 
cordingly we entered our house as occupants 



PART sEroxi). lo7 

111 tlie woods with hooting owLs, 
My little children chose to stay; 
L'r^st Indian hatchets — poisoned arrows. 
Murderous knives or spears, 
Might make a crimson current flow. 
And oh! may each dear child 
Be safe from the dragon's power, 
Beneath the Almighty's shade. 



IXCIDEN'TS OF KRON'TIE?. LIFE. 



CHAPTER LIV.-THE SOLDIERS, THE IN- 
DIANS. 

Soon after this there were soldiers out west 
of us. Their horses were larieted on the grass, 
and they supposed there were no Indians near; 
but all at once, when the soldiers least expected, 
the Indians came with a rush of speed on ponies. 
They dashevd their blankets upward through the 
air, and at the same time uttered horrid yells, 
which frightened the soldiers' horses. They 
broke loose, and the Indians stampeded them off 
to their own quarters. 

There were many Indian warriors west of us. 
Tliey were seen many hundred strong, and well 
mounted, but government was now looking a 
little in that direction: although the progress of 
war in the States, was making a heavy drain 
upon the people. About this time, we received 
intelligence that seventy men were murdered by 
the savages, on Smokey Hill, in Kansas, in a north- 
west direction from us, and about seventy-five 
miles distant. The white settlers generally kept 
revolvers and guns loaded, in readiness for 
attack. Yet the defense our home possessed was 
the strong arm of Providence. 



PART .SK((>N'D. loO 



CHAPTER LV.-THE WALK, THE MISSION. 

The winter t^^ea^on wa« at hand. Indians* kept 
more dosely in their own (luarters. One of Mr. 
FrankV daughter.^ came to ytay with us, and 
learn to read. She remained lor t^ome time for 
that purpose. She was very pleasant, agreeable 
company for my children. 

One clear cold morning, tlit^ appointed time 
for meeting had rolled around. The air that 
Sabbath morning was unusually still, the Cotton- 
wood stream was frozen mostly over with ice. 
The animal we rode would not cross; then I said, 
^T will be more comfortal^le walkhig this cold 
day. I leave you all to the perusal of book:* and 
in the faithful love and care of our heavenly 
Father, and will go and fill the mission God has 
given me to prosecute. I crossed on the ice, and 
when I had walked briskly near the distance of 
five miles, I arrived at the dwelling of Mr. 
Wrenfro, where our meetings were held, and 
found a congregation waiting for my arrival. 
God always attended those services with tlie aid 
of His holy Spirit. 

After realizing His special blessing, and i)ar- 
taking of the hospitality those friends were ever 
anxious to shower upon us, I pursued my course 



160 I.VvIDENTS OF FRONTIKI! LIFE. 

homeward. When I had proceeded to the baiikt> 
oi' the Cottonwood, I saw the ice in the center of 
the stream had broke and washed av/ay, bnt there 
was several feet of ice still connected with each 
shore, and the cold w^aters dashed along the cen- 
ter of the stream. On the opposite bank, Mr 
Mnrray and oar three children stood. I walked 
out on the ice and when about to step into the 
rolling icy stream, my little boy said, "Oh, ma! oh 
dear ma!" Then I laughed and sung a happy 
sacred song. Cheerfulness, and confidential 
smiles, made our cup of peace full and running 
over. 



I'AKT SE«(>NI). IC.I 



CHAPTER LVI-PI0U8 COUNCIL, WOOD- 
. EN SHOES. 

After a little time, there ^vas a request brought 
to u.^, that I f^liould go ssveii miles below our 
home, iu the Cottonwood valley and hold meeting. 
A(;(*ordingly with Mr. Murray's appro1)ation, I 
went, and it gave me much strength and hel[) to 
feel that my companion thought I was in the way 
of duty. And sure I was in need of the strength, 
pious council affords- 

According to the request of Mrs. Winner, 
there was meeting at her house; then the appoint- 
ments were moved from one house to another. 
And I felt moved to speak from the words con- 
tained in the fifteenth chapter of St. John's gospel, 
the last part of the fifth verse. Namely, "With- 
out me, ye can do nothing." Sometimes the 
appointments were eight and ten miles distant, 
and sometimes the dwellings were more than 
filled. There were several families of French 
people, that had been brought up in the Catholic 
faith, but had no priest in that country, and tliey 
would ccmie and listen with deep attention, to 
every word spoken or read. Some would ask me 
many ciuestions, and I cannot express, how very 

10 



l(.yJ INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

niucli I desired, that the clouds ^Yhich enshrouded 
mollis, might break by the full beams of the Sun of 
righteousness. At one time the house of Mr. 
]Brenot was filled with persons wishing to hear 
the gospel, and as many more were attentive 
listeners in tlie door-yard. After services, two 
French ladies came to me and said, "We want 
you ti) have a pair of wooden shoes like ours; you 
would find them very warm and useful.'' They 
took my measure, and soon after presented me 
with a pair of wooden shoes, which I received as 
a kind token, and i)reserved them several years as 
a memento. 



PART SEC )NI). 103 



CHAPTER LVII.-A DREAM, AN ORGAN- 
IZATION. 

But with the exception of my husband, I stood 
alone as to C/hnrch fellowship. True we had 
brought our letters with us from Indiana, l)ut I 
thought if I could sometimes meet with tliose 
who were filled with the Holy Spirit, I would ])e 
very much refreshed. 

In a dream, I thought I stood in my accus- 
tomed place to speak to the people, and read the 
words of life, in the dwelling of Mr. Wrenfro. I 
thought an elderly gentleman entered the door 
of the house, fixed his countenance on me, smiled 
and looked very liai)py, walked straight tov\'ard 
me, extended his arm, grasped my hand, and 
with a cordinal welcome, exclaimed, ''Sister Mur- 
ray." The following Sabbath when at th^ir 
house, I inquired of the family if the father of the 
representatives of that family was a religious man, 
resembling his son J. AV., in features, but a little 
shorter, and of a very happy temperament. I re- 
ceived an answer in the affirmative; and they 
also stated, ''He was many years a class leader in 
the Church." 

About this time I was strongly impressed 

11^ 



1(34 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

that we must have a Church organization. 
Accordingly stated that I would then receive 
names of candidates for membership, and send 
them to the Church, requesting that ministers 
might visit us, when God might direct. This 
invitation for membership, was extended at the 
close of religious services at the dwelling of Mr. 
J. Wrenfro, on Cedar Creek, and responded to by 
several persons, who came forward and filled a 
bench, that was vacated for the purpose. I wrote 
the names of each individual, and extended the 
hand of fellowship. Then asked if any one 
present, wished to make any remarks. Brother 
Philip Frank rose, and said, ''During a severe 
affliction, I thought I would die, and promised 
God, that if he would spare my life I would try 
to he a Christian: and now with the help of God, 
I will endeavor to bring those good resolutions, 
into effect." There was a sacred influence, from 
the presence of God felt, by all present. 

And this is an authentic account of the first 
Christian organization near Cedar Creek, Kansas. 
But our duties at home were calling us, and we 
hastened thither. 



PART SECOND. 105 



CHAPTER LVIII.-DEAR MARY, A MEVIS- 
TER, A QUARTERLY MEETING. 

The duties of the week employed our hands. 
I gathered wood from the timber, and there, 
often bowed in prayer. The pathway to 
the spring, was sacred to me. The several 
rounds of duties, were cheerfully performed. 
One evening, after the curtain of night had 
drawn its sable shades over the face of nature, 
and Mr. Murray, weary with the toils of the day, 
had retired to his couch, our dear Mary came io 
me, witli tears rolling down her face, and said, 
''Oh, ma! pray for me: I want to be a Christian.*' 
Mr. Murray rose from his couch, and we all 
bowed in prayer. We told our dear Mary of 
Jesus, and the great love of God, and she obtained 
a hope that evening, that cheered her even in 
death. 

Our William said, 'Tray for me," and our little 
Martha lifted her infant voice in prayer. That 
week I wrote a letter directing it to the Method- 
ist minister of Emporia. I did not know the 
name of any religious minister, to which I could 
write in that country but merely directed in the 
manner stated. Our letter was sent from Empo- 



ItiG IXCIDKNTS OF FRONTIER lAFK. 

ria, to brother Roberts, the Cottonwood Falls 
circuit preacher. He came immediately to visit 
us, rode up, alighted, and turned to me as I stood 
near the door, saying, "Sister Murray, I have 
come in answer to your letter." It was a very 
happy and welcome reception, of that servant of 
Christ to our home; and the following day, 
being Sabbath, we conducted brother R. to Cedar 
Creek, where he preached a sermon, with which 
the people were much pleased. The sermon was 
delivered with unction and Divine Commission, 
brother R. returned with us to our dwelling, and 
the following morning left us, for Cottonwood 
Falls, twenty-five miles distant. He afterwards 
wrote us a letter stating that in (-onsequence of a 
severe seige of fever, he had been unable to 
return to our valley, and invited us to attend a 
quarterly meeting; and closed the letter with the 
words: 'In the world ye shall have tribulation, 
but in Christ ye shall have peace." 

Our Mary was a very trusty, faithful (;hild, 
and in my absence could do whatever should be 
done. Mr. Murmy could not attend the meeting, 
but I could very easily go, and felt that it would 
be a great privilege. Therefore, I started, the 
Friday morning before the meeting, taking our 
little son with us. We traveled on horse-back 
tw6nty-five miles, and arrive at the house of Mr. 
Hinkle, in the town where the meeting was held 
about the time for evening refreshments. We 
were given a very friendly welcome, treated with 



I 



rART SECOND. 1(J9 

niucli hospitality, and our horses cared for. That 
evening we heard an excellent discourse delivered 
by a faithful servant of Christ. During those 
meetings, I met with some very excellent, and 
substantial friends. There I met with brother 
and sister Gibson, who afterward lived near 
Marion Center. They were ever faithful, with 
whom I often met in following years. The love- 
feast. Sabbath morning, was truly a feast to 
every Christian present. At the close of a 
sermon, I presented our letter of Church member- 
ship. Well pleased with our .iourney, Monday 
evening found us all as a family, at our own 
dwelling, and everything moving as usual. And 
we had truly a prayer circle at home. 



170 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE, 



CHAPTER LIX.-CAPTAIN E. F. ABBOTT 
KILLED. 

One iiiglit I had just retired, when I sprang 
from my couoh exclamhig, 'Tather is here." And 
again I dreamed that I saw Captain E. F. Abbott, 
my youngest brother, walking with several of his 
company, their arms around each others shoul- 
ders, my brother appearing prominent— his white 
Avrist-bands and bosom clean and stainless; but a 
cannon was pointed toward them, and smoke 
issued from the muzzle. Then I awoke, feeling a 
deep impression, that we should soon hear sor- 
rowful intelligence. 

The following week we received a paper from 
Goshen, Indiana, stating: '^Captain E. F. Abbott 
has bsen shot and killed (at Jonesborough, south 
of Atlanta) in battle, when he was rallying his 
company for further combat." It was further 
remarked, that in consequence of his death, "A 
widowed mother was being brought with sorrow 
to the grave.'' 

Truly war is a dreadful scourge to any people 
where its ravages may oome, and is contrary to 
the spirit and teaching of the New Testament. 
May God quickly roll round that time, when 



PAK'l' SKCOND. 171 

nations t<liall learn war no more, but j<liall ])eat 
their swords into plow shares, and spears into 
pruning hooks; and pea'/.e cover the earth, as the 
waters cover the great deep. 

Luther believed, "fire arms the direct sugges- 
tion of Satan.'' 

We here ciuote from an olDituary, written from 
Atlanta, G-a., September 14th, 1864, by W. B. 
Jacobs. 

'Captain Abbott was known as a brave and 
galliant officer; not by his company alone, but by 
every officer anil man in the regiment. I stood 
with him the day after Chickamauga, the only 
captains left in our regiment, by the side of our 
galliant leader. Col. Baker, as we lay at Rossville, 
expecting the approach of the enemy. Again, we 
three stood together on Mission Ridge, on the 
evening of Nov. 26tli, 1863, all unharmed. But 
when we went into this last charge, our brave 
leader was not with us, and when the victory was 
won, I found that of the three, who looked 
together upon the fields of Chickamauga. and 
Mission Ridge, i alone was left to see this victory 
of our brave boys, by which the campaign against 
Atlanta was ended." 

We add. 

Upon the stormy l)attk^ iield. 

As victory drew nigh, 
Brave Evriett — honored youtli, 

'Twas his, to bleed and die. 



172 1NCIJ)KNTS OF FRONTIKK LIFK. 

The youngest child, the mother's help and 
comfort, and only twenty-three years of age. 
Loved by his company, esteemed by all, was laid 
silent in the sleep of death, by a ball from the 
enemy of his country. Is it any wonder that 
sounds, which the world calls music, should 
make those hearts heaving with sorrow, feel the 
wound still deeper^ Is it any wonder, that what 
looks beautiful ami grand, to those who never 
drinked the cup of sorrow, to its dregs should 
only seem mockery to those who mourn the loss 
of near and dear friends^ 







I'AKT SKCONl). 



CHAPTER L X. - AFFLICTIONS AND 
DEATH. 

Time rolled onward, and another young lady 
came to stay at our dwelling that she might be 
taught in learning. 

But Mr. Murray suifered much with disease 
in his ankles, and was fearful it would result in 
serious consequences. He could get very little 
ease, unless his ankles were wrapt in wet cloth, 
or bathed in water. Therefore I kept them 
wrapt as he desired, sometimes for weeks 
together. 

One day he said he would like to have medi- 
cine from Cottonwood Falls, where the quarterly 
meeting had been held, and asked if I would ride 
to the place for that purpose. Accordingly the 
next morning I started, rode to the town, obtained 
near as possible what he had requested, and 'soon 
as possible returned. The last session of confer- 
ence, had sent us a preacher, and when Bro. E. 
visited our dwelling; it was a great entertainment 
to Mr. Murray, to sit and converse with the pious 
man. And a hymn which Mr. Murray most 
delighted to sing commenced thus: 

"Come ohi thou traveUM* unknown, 
Whom still I hold, but cannot see." 



174 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

Several families had moved near as a mile or 
more distant from ns, and they all wished that I 
should teach school in our house. Mr. Murray 
said, ''It Avonld be all ri.^iit.'' Accordingly I com- 
menced sjliool. The children were quite respect- 
ful and easily controlled. And if the Caw 
Indians came in time of school, they would never 
speak loud. 

Mr. Murray's health got no better. If I 
listened closely, I could hear a rattle on his kings; 
his ankles looked better than they had done for 
a long time, but red, angry looking streaks went 
upward toward his vitals. He took irregular 
chills, and a cough became troublesome; I got 
him cough syrup from Marion Centre, and asked 
him to have medical advice; but he said he would 
soon get better and be out attending to his 
business. I saw that he was getting no better, 
and dismissed my school. I saw plainly that he 
was failing in strength, and told him, I feared 
the syrup done him no good. But he said, it did 
do him good: it helped to clear his lungs, and 
when he had used it a little longer, he would be 
much better in health. 

When attending to all that was necessary 
about the room, my children entered, saying, "Ma, 
there is wagons coming from toward Cedar Creek, 
and several men with axes." They entered our 
timber, and soon wood in large quantities, was 
stacked near the door-yard. After they had left. 



PAirr .si:r 



Mr. Murray rose from his couch, looked out tlie 
door, aud said, ''Wal, this beats all!" 

The friends or neighbors sent us many little 
dainties, ^Thich they thought Mr. Murray might 
relish. We got him everything he wished, liut 
he could no longer put on his apparal. 

A young lady came to help us. I gave her 
directions about work; and looking round, saw 
him weeping. I said, 'Tf you have to die, do you 
feel prepared^" He answered very quickly, ''Yes, 
yes, oh! yes, I am ready — all is right. There is 
not a cloud on my mind. I have l^een weighed 
down with disease for years and could not be 
what I otherwise would have been. This world 
is deceitful, it will soon pass away with all 
persjns. We should live for a better world. You 
have been kind to me. I am glad we were 
married— you must take better care of yourself. 
It hurts me to talk; it is ]:)ecoming difficult with 
my little strength to raise or clear the su]")stanc(^ 
from my lungs. You may send to Marion Centre 
for the doctor." 

A spirited animal stood near the house: my 
little son vv\as soon passing with speed toward the 
Centre. He stopped four miles from home and 
told Mr. Winner, we wished him to go the 
remaining distance, and bring doctor Rogers, 
soon as possible. The gentleman's horse stood 
tied near by, and the doctor was s3on at Mr. 
Murray's bedside. The doctor passed some exam- 
ination, listened attentively near liis lungs; then 



176 ixcii)p:xts of frontier jafk. 

I said, "Doctor, tell us the worst of the case — we 
are prepared for what may come." The doctor 
shook his head, and said, "I have seen much more 
flattering cases, I can tell you." 

The doctor told me afterwards, that Mr. Mur- 
ray's lungs were all gone but a small portion of 
one, and he only gave him medicine to soothe 
him in his last hours, which I think the 
doctor surely did, for seeing his breathing was 
different. 

I said, "How do you feel? do you feel very 
bad? do you suffer much?" He quickly replied, 
"Oh I no, I do not— all is right now." His afflic- 
tions ever had been attended by the utmost 
patience. 

The following day several ladies came to offer 
assistance, and comfort. A minister, Bro. Earn- 
hart, came in, walked near Mr. Murray's dying 
couch, and said, "Bro. Murray, are you prepared 
to die?" Mr. Murray seemed to not hear plainly; 
but when the question was repeated, he answered 
quickly, "Oh! yes, yes, all is right— I am ready." 
And well we might say. 

Not a cloud did arise 
To darken his skifs, 
Or hide for a moment, 
His Lord from his eyes. 

After the minister left the room, Mr. Murray 
lay ciuiet for some time, we watched him closely, 
and anticipated every want; but it became nee- 



PART SKCOM). 177 

essary that I should for one minute go to the 
opposite side of the room: 1 quickly returned. 
Mrs. Winner stood by his bedside, and remarked, 
"Those large drops of sweat on his forehead are 
cold.'' Then I saw, that he was gazing upward. 
I called his name many times, but when I saw 
that he would not speak again to me in tliis 
world, I bowed near the bed-side, but soon rose 
and saw that his eyes were nearly closed. 

His mortal life had passed away. 

Angels had come, the vain world fled. 

Bright glory immortal, had dawned on his view. 

Mr. Murray had been truly a friend to all tliat 
was benevolence, righteousness and honor; not 
in words only, but in active deeds, and he had 
gone to reap the reward of those that are right- 
eous in the sight of God— saved by the wasliing 
of regeneration. Yet his lonely family were still 
in the vale of tears. Heavily the clouds of sorrow 
burst ^ver our heads. That one who for more 
than fourteen years, had been our counselor and 
lielp mate, had left for those c-limes, where 
sorrow never enters. I and my children were 
left to weep. But my children said to uie, 
Mother, your health is failing: you must stop 
this deep grief, or we shall soon have no mother.'' 
I knew from my own feeling, this would be the 
case, and tried to look forward to that time when 
fHends will meet in heaven. But when I and my 
children were returning from nir^eting held on 



ITS IN( IDEXTS OF FKONTIEK LIFE. 

Cedar Creek, and arrived in sight of our home 
that had ]3een cheered by the presence of our 
(•ompanion, and fatlier, we all as a lonely liand 
burst into a flood of tears. I have more than 
once since then, remarked to my children, ''O! ^if 
your father could have remained with us, just to 
sit in his (;hair, and give us council or advice; 
and for the ]3enefit of his society, it would have 
been a blessing of great magnitude. But another 
tie was in heaven, and in prayer we felt power, 
and sacred drawing toward the better land. 

Time is short at the longest— a hand's breadth 
— an age is as nothing when compared with 
eternity, yet God is an abiding friend; and God 
still granted us, in the midst of every trial, the 
witness of His Holy Spirit that He was our friend 
and help. And like a tree in open prairie, we 
were upheld while blasts ot adversity swept 
around u^^^. 



PART SECOND. 1 7f» 



CHAPTER LXI.— FAMILY AFFLICTIONS, 
BROTHER F. AND DAUGHTER. 

It was in the spring of the year when Mr. 
Murray passed away to a home in heaven. And 
Mr. Wrenfro sent his son to plow three acres of 
land, which I undertook to cultivate with the 
hoe. When the work was partially accom- 
plished, my boy nine years of age, fell and dislo- 
cated his elbow-joint, injuring and and splinter- 
ing the bones badly; and soon after my daughter 
Mary became sick with fever. But thanks be to 
a compassionate heavenly Father, we were brought 
through those afflictions, and were again enabled 
to meet with those Avho met for the service of 
God. When we had been providentially de- 
tained, Bro. Philip Frank, had given a helping 
hand to the work, and opened and closed Sab- 
bath-school with prayer. At this we were much 
rejoiced, and desired Bro. Frank to act as super- 
intendant in time to come. 

Bro. F. was loved and esteemed as a citizen— he 
was well fitted for that capacity. 

About this time, a lovely daughter of Bro. E. 
was taken very suddenly sick with congestion of 
the lungs, and only lived a very short time. Soon 

li> 



180 IKCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

after the attack, she said, "I am going to die.*' 
Her last words were, "Jesus is coming, he is 
coming/' 

AVhen the society on Cedar Creek was first 
formed, this young lady had come forward, and 
added her name to the list of those who desired 
to serve God; and now King Jesus, the immortal 
glorious Jesus, had come and received her to 
Himself. Though her friends were left to mourn, 
yet their loss was her gain. 

Time was passing onward, and it became nec- 
essary that I should go to Cottonwood Falls on 
business. Therefore, leaving everything at home 
*the best arranged possible, I went, taking my 
little son, who always attended me, when called 
to leave our home on business. There was no 
one to share the burden of care: I now had all to 
be^r. On leaving home, I employed some one to 
remain with tlie children left at liome. 

Sometimes we had to go to Plymouth, forty 
miles, for milling, and sometimes to Emporia, 
fifty miles distant. At one time when returning, 
we had to stop and remain over night. 

We stopped at the house of an elderly gentle- 
man, a deacon in the Baptist Church. They had 
a protracted meeting in progress. Near the hour 
of service, I put on my bonnet to attend the 
family; Deacon Beverly, Preacher R., and Deacon 
Williams, walked near and united in saying, I 
should ''speak first in the services.'' Bro. B. sai d 
he would follow. From a sence of duty, and 



PART SECOND. IHl 

from reciuest, I felt bound to comply, opened my 
Testament, and the words contained in part of 
the eleventh verse of the 22 chapter of Revela- 
tions, were presented as a subject for re- 
marks. The words, "He that is unjust let 
him be unjust still/' Then Bro. R. followed with 
remarks on the five first verses, of the same 
chapter. The hospitality of brother and sister 
Beverly, has been very abundant toward me, and 
my family. May God bless the many dear 
friends, vrho have displayed true Christian kind- 
ness. The blessed Savior has said, "Whosoever 
giveth a cup of water only in the name of a 
disciple, shall not loose his reward." I and my 
children bowed daily together, in unison woi*- 
shipped our Savior and Redeenier, and on rising 
in the morning, I walked directly to the door, 
looking ui)ward, felt truly to adore the Giver of 
all peace and blessing. We felt consolations 
which those who know not God cannot fathom. 

But we often heard rumors of Indian troubles. 
My children were sometimes frightened, and 
thought they saw Indians in the distance. Mr. 
Murray had commenced a house on our home- 
stead, which— with some assistance from my 
mother, who came to visit us— was iirepared for a 
dwelling. I taught a school in the house— a 
three months term, not long after entering it as a 
dwelling. I also taught three months in a log 
school-house, on the opposite side of the Cotton- 

12-^ 



1S2 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

wood River, from our dwelling. The following 
c?eason a school trustee came and offered good 
wages, and said, the neighborhood would help 
me in different ways if I would move three miles 
distant and teach their school. We moved to 
the place, bought a Sabbath-school library, 
taught the day school, and kept up Sabbath- 
school, through all the pleasant seasons of that 
year. 



•ART SECOND. 183 



CHAPTER LXIL-GRASSHOPPERS, FLIGHT 
FROM SAVAGES. 

During an intermission of school, my scholars 
said, "Oh! teacher, come and look, there are many 
little creatures moving between ns and the sun, 
they make a shadoAv like a cloud on the earth." 
As we stood looking, they commenced to settle 
round us thickly on weeds, bushes and grass. 
GrasshopiDers in vast numbers, covered all vegeta- 
tion. 

The heavy drouth that year had already 
injured the corn crop; and now grasshoppers 
were sweeping the sustenance from the remains 
of vegetation. 

But our school was still progressing when 
word came, that Indians from west of us, Avere 
coming in that direction, Indian warriors four 
hundred strong, committing depradations as they 
came. They had often threatened destruction to 
the settlers, and now all persons for miles 
around, were rushing toward the Centre, to take 
refuge in the Court House. Our little family 
and articles necessary for our comfort, was taken 
into a wagon and with the crowd we entered the 
commodious rock building. A rock wall which 
now stands, was not then built; but the men 



1S4 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

l^ronglit their wagons round in a circle, to delay 
the progress of the Indians, in order that the 
white men might gain advantage. There were 
a goodly number of volunteer soldiers, come to 
our assistance, or protection. They stationed 
men with revolvers in hand, about the door of 
the house, expecting an attack, and sent men to 
find out what the Indians were doing. 

There was a Doctor Rogers with the company 
of scouts. He had a spy glass and a fleet horse: 
he trusted to the fleetness of his horse, and de- 
layed some time, watching the movements of the 
Indians, after the rest were returning. The 
Indians saw him, and tried to cut off his retreat. 
Then came a race for life, as the Indians had fleet 
horses: the doctor put spurs to his horse, and with 
the greatest exertions possible, barely made his 
escape. 

The Indians robbed, killed stock and plun- 
dered considerably. They knew the white peo- 
ple were prepared for them at the Center, and 
did not enter the town, but took their course 
toward Council Grove. Soldiers were in that 
town, and the Indians did not wish an encounter. 
They went to the Caw Reserve and had a battle 
with the Caws. The Caws were victorious; then 
those savage Indians, through fear of being 
pursued, separated into small bands, and fled in 
different directions. But those persons at Marion 
Center, were in ignorance for some time, as to the 
course the Indians were pursuing; and as there 



PART SECOND. 185 

were not provisions at the Center, to keep so many 
persons, they started in wagons, and on horse- 
back, went to Cottonwood Falls thirty-five miles 
farther east. They hurried forward, soldiers 
riding along the sides of the procession, not 
knowing what moment they might hear the 
horrid war whoop, or see the murderous steel 
descend on the helpless ones, or feel a death 
wound inflicted. The few soldiers were unskilled 
in warfare and all might have been easily over- 
powered. But we at last arrived in the town, and 
took refuge in a large rock school-house. We 
found the citizens of that place in a state of 
excitement. 

I heard one man in high standing in society 
remark, "It would be a blessing to the world if 
the savages were all exterminated.'' We remained 
in that town, till we heard of the Indians, pro- 
ceedings. The settlers then returned to their 
honaes and occupations. 

When our school was closed in the fall of the 
year, I and my children moved to our own 
home. 



186 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXIIL-SEVERE WINTER, LOSS. 

The following winter many hundreds of cattle 
died. The settlers said, "Perhaps the grasshop- 
pers had poisoned the grass." They had surely 
injured the strength or amount of sustenance 
in it. 

A more severe winter than usual followed, 
and instead of a mild winter and early spring, 
that is usual in Kansas, winter was protracted 
beyond its usual period; and when the boom, 
boom, of the prairie fowl, or the notes of the 
prairie lark should have saluted our ears, storms 
of snow, sleet and wind, fell pitiless on the cattle 
of Kansas. Weaker than usual, a protracted 
winter they could not endure. Dead cattle lay 
along the banks of streams more than could 
easily be numbered; many had slipped down 
creek banks, powerless to extricate themselves, 
had perished. Others from weakness, were inca- 
pable of rising when down: the sleet and storms 
finished their existence. 

A widow lady not far from us, owned one 
hundred head. They all died but just one. Mr. 
Murray had secured a few cattle; they had 
increased to about thirty-four, and that winter 
sixteen of our cattle died. I had traded for a few 



PART SErOXI). 1S7 

sheep, and lost fourteen lambs, that season. The 
fall previous I took seventy-five dollars worth of 
seed wheat of the treasurer of the school district 
in which I had taught: it was poorly put in the 
ground by one to whom we had rented, and the 
following harvest, I did not receive the value of 
the seed in grain. 

Our improved land was rented constant- 
ly, and I was to receive one third of each 
crop, with the exception of the year, when I 
found seed wheat, I was to receive the half of the 
crop. 



188 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXIV.- CULTIVATION, 
DROUTHS, GRASSHOPPERS. 

I think if small grain is put in the ground at 
the proper season, and rightly put in, it is a very 
sure crop in Kansas, or in most parts at least; but 
on such bottom land, if put in late, thereby not 
obtaining good root in the earth, or if put in care- 
lessly, or too little seed, the sunflowers which 
seem natural to the soil, shoot above the grain, 
causing it to blast. I never knew a crop of rye to 
fail in Kansas. But corn crops have often failed 
from drouths late in the season. Therefore corn 
in that country, should be put in the ground very 
early in the spring; the first of April is not too 
soon in that country, as a general rule, and makes 
much better corn, than the later seasons of 
planting. 

Often new settlers in that country, have been 
too poor to buy seed wheat, got their corn in late, 
and received no crops. On high land, a dry sea- 
son would cause greater damage. Partly from 
ignorance of the proper season for farming, and 
partly from other causes, Kansas has suffered 
much. One year I remember traveling a few 
miles over prairie. The spring wheat had dried 
up too short for binding, fall or winter wheat 



PART SECOND. 189 

had done better; but corn was quite short on 
upland, and grasshoppers had stripped all the 
leaves from the stalks. But the cane fields stood 
fresh and green. Grasshoppers do not generally 
disturb sugar cane, and drouth does not easily 
harm it. The year which I just mentioned, there 
was much suffering from lack of the necessaries 
of life. A committee -of ladies was sent out from 
the town of Marion Center, then our county seat, 
to find out the suffering ones; and among otiiers 
in lack of necessities of life, they found a sick 
woman, and her little babe eleven days old. All 
the nourishment she had received during that 
time, was merely bran bread. 

Let us consider when we have all that is 
required for the strengthening of our mortal 
bodies; those things which are palatable and nice, 
are we just as thankful, and do we love the great 
Giver of all good, just as much as we should do^ 
May God help us to be thankf q1, and forbid that 
we should live as the beasts that perish; but 
heirs to an immortal crown may our souls bow 
before the throne of Deity in thankful adoration. 

But to return to the subject of our rented 
land; I did not receive more than enough to pay 
our taxes, taking one year with another. Some 
years we received very little or nothing and our 
family we surely felt nuist be comfortable. 
Therefore our stock often had to be sold, to get 
money to pay taxes: while we retained the pro- 
ducts of the field for our home provisions. 



190 IXriDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXV.-MRS. GREEN'S STORY. 

But hark, I hear a soimrl of voices: two ladiei^i 
are at the door. Mrs. Green, whose husband had 
fled from the Indians, had returned, bringing her 
mother with her from Missouri. They remained 
at our dwelling for some hours, and Mrs. G. 
related scenes that took place while she lived on 
Cow Creek. She stated that "A train going to 
Texas, passed that way, and a young man belong- 
ing to the train, shot a squaw, killing her. Then 
Indians came round the train, and said, if the 
man who killed their squaw Avas not given up to 
them, they would kill every one on the train; the 
man had to be delivered over to the will of the 
savages; then they commenced with his forehead, 
turning the scalp back, and cut all the hide from 
his body." Thus she said, "He was skinned alive." 
Tlie muscles of the woman's face, and excitement 
while relating this, showed how terrible the scene 
appeared to her. 

Mrs. G. also stated, that while she lived at the 
same ranch, "An Indian, while drunk, inserted 
his butcher knife into the body of his squaw, so 
that some of her intestines protruded. The other 
Indians replaced them, sewed up the wound, and 
-the squaw recovered." 



PART SECONP.* 191 

After this recital, Mr. Green entered, and 
stated, that when the Indians wished to rob 
trains, they would at night, get under or near 
the wagons; and at the first movments at dawn, 
kill the unsuspecting travelers. 

But those persons took their departure from 
our dwelling; and a diversity of cares, time en- 
gaged, and onward fled the hours. 



192 INf IDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXVI.-PRAIRIE FIRE, A DIS- 
TRESSING SCENE. 

I have sometimes had occasion to ride a good 
sized animal, through prairie grass on rich 
bottom land, where the grass was above my head 
when on horse-back. Persons that never saw 
such prairie grass may wonder at this, and if they 
should see a fire in dry grass of this description, 
at night especially, they would remember it a 
long time. 

Our neighbor, E. Smith, informed us that he 
had just been out West all alone, watching the 
Indians and trying to find horses, which the 
Indians had stolen from him. He was then on 
his return home: but when near a bend of the 
Arkansas, where two streams met, he had wit- 
nessed a distressing scene. Many horses belong- 
ing to the Indians, were congregated together, 
and surrounded by burning flames. The prairie 
grass being extremely high and heavy, there was 
no means of escape; and he said, "Such rearing, 
plunging, and biting of the suffering, dying 
animals in the burning fiames, he never would 
wish to witness agani. 

The soil in Kansas is generally rich; and heavy 
growths of grass are yearly spread over the 



PART SECOXl). 19:i 

country. When the grass, dried by the rays of a 
summer sun or drying winds of fall, ignite with 
the flames of an Indian, or travelers' camp fire; 
or, as in the past purposely set by revengful 
Indians, such a fire swept onward by strong 
wind, has often roused the sleeping pioneer, in 
the late hours of night, by the glare of flame, to 
behold his granries and out-buildings being con- 
sumed. Some have lost their dwelling by this 
means. One man not far from u>i, lost his life in 
trying to save his property from the devouring 
element. 

When there were no roads, nothing but In- 
dian trails, there was much trouble from those 
fires. Persons acquainted with the country, can 
arrange preventatives, against the occurrence of 
such calamities. But to one who fears nothing 
from the consuming flame, the sight of those long 
lines of fire, rolling from valley to hill, and 
extending from one assent to another, sometimes 
appearing as an extensive sea of fire, at times a 
darkness of smoke preceeding the same; then the 
brilliancy of reflection on the sky, and flash of 
extending flame, and the cracking of burning 
weeds, in the midst of progressing, rising, and 
sometimes towering flames, would appear as truly 
grand; though such a sight, always filled my 
mind, with anxious thought and sympathy for 
the distressed. 



194 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXVIi.-SENSE OF DUTY, THE 

SICK. 

I was often called on to visit the sick, during 
several years, when physicians were distant. 
Ministers of the gospel preached at stated periods, 
yet they were often distant; and I was sometimes 
requested to attend to religious services, on 
funeral occasions. From a sense of duty I com- 
plyed; and felt that I had merely filled a servant's 
place, and done my heavenly Father's bidding. 
Once when requested, I failed to go; I felt some 
indisposition as to health, yet ever afterward 
regretted the failure. I cannot regret serving 
God fully; we are dust, yet our heavenly Father 
loves us still. 

The circuit preacher requested me to hold and 
fill an appointment on the Cottonwood valley; 
but my cares were many. He said, "Riding would 
be beneficial to your healh, and less toil more for 
your good." Yet I thought of the language once 
addressed to Timothy: 'Take charge of the 
Church till I come." And I let the work rest 
altogether on the responsibility of Bro. T. S. 



PAHT SK(«»N1). ]<t. 



CHAPTER LXVIII.-FOUR SAVAGES: 
'WHERE IS WHITE MANf 

I and my youngest child were one still, ciuiet 
day sitting alone in our dwelling; when four 
larg3, wild looking, dark savages rode ui) to the 
door, calling out, ^' Where is white manf' I said. 
"Wiiite men are at work." They looked at each 
other and laughed, then rode off in the direction 
where our horses ranged. My little girl started 
t) watdi the fate of th- horses; my anxiety for 
my child gave win-:?'! t) my speed, and I soon 
arrived where two men were preparing cane 
works: their horses saddled and bridled stood near. 
Those men taking a short cut across, got so near 
the Indian>i that they swam the river in their 
flight; but they took with them a horse belonging 
to one of the men who had pursued them. My 
little girl soon returned, bringing our horses with 
her. 

The family of Mr. H., had left our part of thr 
country, and another of sui)eri()r ([ualities. 
moved into the same dwelling. This family 
was composed of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and two 
little girls. 



10(5 IKflDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXIX.-FIVE INDIANS, STOLEN 
HORSES. 

A few months after their arrival in our 
coantry, Mr. B. was afflicted with an intermitting 
fever. His faithful wife, business like and true, 
had fed and tied their horses of fine appearance, 
in full view of the door where her husband 
usually placed them. After this arrangaient for 
the night had been made, ^ve savage looking 
Indians came to the door and wished to stay in 
the house that night. Mrs. B. gave them to 
understand that her family was sick; and 
motioned them to stay in an old log hut. They 
set down on the ground not far from the horses, 
and near one end of the log building. Mrs. B. 
then told her husband, "Our horses will be taken 
by the Indians this night." When all was quiet 
and the evening hours were fast passing, Mrs. B. 
still kept a little aperture of opening at the door, 
and remained listening at the sound of the feed- 
ing animals; as they made good use of the new 
mown hay. Soon she said, ''Mr. Brown, our 
horses are gone!" He then sprang from his 
couch, started out, then turned and took his 
revolver; the Indians were still in sight, mounted 
on his horses, and part walking. He did not 



shoot or speak. The moon was shiiihig, he pur- 
sued closely after them, as they went along the 
valley toward the house of Mr. Creamer. The 
gentleman and a young man his son, had just 
returned late from a ride, and were preparing to 
leave their horses for the night; when Mr. Brown 
called out with the highest tones of voice he 
could command, "Indians I Indians I save your 
horses.'' Then the Indians fled precipitately from 
sight. But soon whoops or yells resounded in 
the night air, then other Indians on the opposite 
side of the stream above our house, yelled again, 
and their savage yells were answered by Indians, 
in the valley below near the stream, and ]:>y 
others back on the hills. In tliis maimer they 
apprized each squad of Indians, that the v\diite 
I)eople were aware of their proceedings. It was 
well for my children, that they were so closely 
locked in sliunber, that although wakened by the 
dismal sounds, they scarcely knew what tlie 
omen might be, till our neighbors hi.rried to our 
dwelling; then we found that our horses had 
been stolen. Two g\)od animals and a colt that 
had been placed not far from the house for tli(^ 
night, were gone. Two other horses belonging to 
a neighbor, living at that time on our land were 
taken. 

The Indians stole about thirty head of horses 
that night; and would have taken twice tliat 
number, if the white people had not become 

18" 



19^ IX( IDENTS OF FR<)XTIP:K IJFE. 

aroused to the knowledge of their deeds. Two of 
our neighbors rode rapidly to. the dAvellings of 
Mr.. J. and M. Rigs, who kept murh stock on hand, 
and were well prepared for encounter with the 
Indians; a number of white men were soon col- 
lected and followed the Indians in a south-west 
direction, guided partialy by their tracks.^ iVfter 
two days they saw a large Indian ride our mare 
u}) to a ranch, our colt peculiarly marked by 
natural white spots, walking l:)y her side. By 
this means, they soon found where more of 
the horses were, but the Indians wished to kill 
the white men, and were only kept from blood- 
shed, violence and cruelty, by their chief. They 
drew their weapons and placed a revolver at Mr. 
Brown's breast. Their chief came that moment 
near, and at the word of command they with- 
drew their threatened violence. 

The Indians were anxious for fight; then their 
chief said, "Pay the Indians money, then they will 
give up the horses." Accordingly the white men 
paid the required sums, and got part of the 
horses. For one of my horses they paid seven 
dollars, and for another six. One of our liorses 
was so badly injured by a nail of an Indian 
saddle, that the animal was nearly useless for 
riding ever afterward, and one of Mr. Brown's 
horses wos so badly injured, that it was of little 
account. 

The Indians told the white men, "If you liad 
not found us out ciuick, we would have got many 



I'AHT SKCOM). no 

more horses, and we will yet steal all back, and 
take many more.'' Therefore, our horses were 
very closely secured with chains and padlocks; 
and the slightest sound or movement at night, I 
would be on my feet, looking out for Indians. 

One moonlight night a man rode up and 
called out to us, 'Take care of your horses; 
Indians have been seen round; soldiers are look- 
ing for them." But the Indians never molested 
our horses again. 



200 INCIDENTS UF FRONTIER I.IFE. 



CHAPTER LXX.-SIX SERPENTS. 

With a request, I here comply, for one said to 
me, 'Tell iis about serpents." I thought I would 
pass these little stories ore. 

But when not far from my house, I cleaned 
wheat; two of my little children were seated 
under the shadow of a stack. I worked, and 
screened, and filled the sacks of wheat. Soon the 
children stepped before me, pale and speechless, 
started in to their mothers face; then pointed 
where they had been seated. There upon the 
ground, a monstrous serpent lay. I got a lengthy 
stake, and when it was dispatched, my children 
their story told. They said, 'Tt came toward us 
rolling in the form of hoop, and when we .jumped 
away, it struck the stack, then straightened and 
slowly went to creep away." Although it was 
large, it was not of the boa's dimensions, yet to 
my children it had threatened death. 

And once my eldest daughter stoopped to dip 
sparkling water from beneath the shadow of 
rocks, when something struck her bonnet; then 
she hastily withdrew. But a quick glance dis- 
played six serpent's heads protruding; and spite- 
ful tongues arrayed, just above where she had 
stoopped to dip the cooling draught; and when 



PART SECOND. -JOl 

she turned to leave the plaoe, a lengthy rattle 
snake with poison fangs, did strike her dress. 
The child's call brought aid, and the venemous 
reptile was slain. 

Once my little boy was playing hide and seek, 
when looking wild and strange, he stepped ciuite 
near and said, "Ma, in the dark place where I hid, 
there is a large cold ring of iron." Then I looked 
and there, still in a serpents coil a large reptile 
lay; but soon it was powerless* made, and carried 
from the place. 

When I was walking near low pasture ground, 
a child ran forward in a path, but cpiickly she 
returned, and said, ''Oh, ma, don't you hear that 
noise!'' And sure it was very plain, and the' 
sound was like telegivaphic wire in its vibrations. 
The child said, 'Tt is a serpent .just behind tliose 
bushes, and it is very large." The child ran and 
brought a stake. Though a little fearful of the 
consequences, I hesitated not to strike a blow. 
Then its large jaws it threw extended wide and a 
cotton mouth displayed.— I backward jumi)ed, 
then forward stepped the battle to renew, and 
when it was gained, we onward walked along the 
path. 

Of reptiles, I might tell more, but this will 
sure suffice. In the country new, near rocky 
(piarries or low lands, near groves and streams, 
it surely was not strange, that reptiles should 
abound. And taking it for granted that the 
lady who recpiested this account, ha^ given us 



INCIDENTS OF FRoNTIKll LIFE 



permission, we will pass to tell a little story which 
in mirth was ended. 




■1^ c 






^^^ 



I'AIM- SHiONl). 203 



CHAPTER LXXL-THE CHILDREX'S 
FRIGHT. 

One evening' my cliildreii said, "Motli-r there 
surely is an Indian standing on the hill above the 
house; the horses will be stolen, or we might l)e 
killed." Then I said, 'T will go and find him out.'' 
Accordingly, I took a pitch-fork and went con- 
fronting the frightful foe; but lol a gentle colt 
allowed me to walk up and place my hand upon 
his side. • Then I returned and laughed about 
the apparition. 

And a moral we find. Imaginary evils often 
prove only blessings in disguise. 



204 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXXII.-A TEXAS OX, DANGER. 

The trifle I liave jue^t related, brings to mind, 
that which for the moral I will t^ketch. A wild 
and dangerous Texas ox was ranging round our 
yards, and would chase any person, if it saw 
them out side the fence. A cattle herder on a 
trained horse, which would jump away whenever 
the animal went to gore his side, and then a 
large l^lack braided leather whip, with quickness 
he applied; but still he failed to keep the animal 
away. 

A lady stopping at our house, went out with 
just a club in hand; I called, "You will be killed;^' 
but she with careless air went on. When i saw 
the threatened danger, I ran between the woman 
and the foe. When it turned at me, I struck the 
tines of a pitch-fork, with all my strength, into his 
smoking nostrils. Still he onward came till I had 
backed against a fence; then his fury tore the 
fork tines from his bleeding nose, and his long 
horns struck by each side of my body on the 
fence; then quick I yelled, at the sound he 
whirled; and very soon the fence a safeguard 
proved. 

Now the moral we will consider. If persons 
meddle with other people's frays, often hate, or 



ART SECOND. 



105 



danger triets its power upon the party lai^it 
engaged, llierefore, judgment, and caution ever 
Bliould direct our ways, while peace and kindness 
still are w^ritten on our souls. 




:^0() INCIDKNTS OF FRONTIKH LIKE. 



CHAPTER LXXII.-INDIAN JOHNSON, A 
WILD PONY, INDIANS. 

Time Avas flitting Avitli a bii^y wing*. I and my 
f'liildren in their western home, when Indian 
Johnson entered and received an offered seat; he 
!set in silence for sometime, then a train of Indians 
was seen approaching, and first of all the train, a 
young squaw nearly white rode ui), with a child 
in her arms. Johnson arose immediately, saying, 
■'That my squaw: I have two squaws now. One 
Indian died, then I took his squaw." Johnson's 
first squaw came next, with two pai)00ses on the 
pony which she rode. They all bowed in recog- 
nition; then the trail of Caw Indians passed on. 

There is considerable difference of shade in 
the complexion of different tribes, l)ut coarse 
^^traight black hair is their inheritance. The 
young Caw Indians seemed very regardless of 
€[)ld, and would ride their ponies in most extreme 
weather deiititute of any clothing. 

When the Indians wished to break a wild pony 
for use, they would sometimes strap a young 
Indian fast to the animal's back, giving the 
youngster the bridle rein. They put this process 
ill operation at one time: the pony wa<^ uiigovern- 
.able and the young Indian strapped to the pony, 



.K(<>NI>. 



iiDsteafl of reiiiaiiiiii,i>" on it.s back, .i^jt turned ti 
tlie under side and was very soon killed. 

Indians still passed our home, wlien f?oin.^- to 
and fro on buffalo hunts; s(|uaws leading- th(* 
park horses, and carrying- pai)ooses on ixmies, 
Tiiey often dragged tent |)()les attached to tli(^ 
sides of their ponies; Indian men carrying guns 
and other weapons, ready for hunting excursions: 
also carrying polecats, beavers, muskrats, or 
whatever game they might have found, exceptingr 
the heavier game that was carried on their ponies. 
The Indian cahoot, with feathers sticking: 
in their hair, was to stnmgers yet a novelty. 
Hut no more white menV scalps, were carried by 
our door as there had once been in former days. 
Tiie country was being settled rapidly, and 
Indian visits l^ecoming less and less frequent. 
The Indians had often set our prairies on fiiv. 
Iiut how well traveled roads and fields, served for 
some proter-tion. And I can look back to th(^ 
time when I and my little son worked so rapidly, 
pulling ):)ig grass, and burning against a coming: 
fire, that blood filled my mouth, the circum- 
stances with me never to ocr/ur again. 



'20S IXCIDKNTS OK FKONTIKU LIFK. 



CHAPTER LXXiV.-MILLING P]XPP]DI- 
TION, MR. GIBSON. 

Milling- expeditions, and for trade at Cotton- 
wood Falls, Plymouth and Emporia, after Mr. 
Murray had been taken from iis, had been my 
lot, and that of my little son. 

We once met Mr. Gibson, when he was return- 
ing from mill, he walked ciickly in front of his 
team and with a friendly shake of the hand, he 
said, ''You must visit my family at Marion 
Csnter.'' We had becoma aoiiuainted at a ciuar- 
terly meeting, and our families were ever sincere 
friends. 

Brother and sister Gibson stjod alone for 
several years as Christians in frontier life. But 
i^jon, Bro. Gibson passed to that home beyond 
these mortal shores, where Mr. Murray had first 
arrived, while their families were still left on the 
83a of life; but our frail barga is drawing nearer 
and nearer th^ port of rest in heaven; and 
though the waves roll high and boistrous, yet we 
are securely resting on that Almighty arm, whose 
love and faithfulness, will soon luring us, where 
friends shall part no more. 



PART siH'uxr. 203 



CHAPTER LXXV.-SISTER BROWN, A 
LETTER, POETRY. 

And there i^ another dear twister, namely, 
Maria Brown; who with her conii)anion, and two 
children, came to live about a mile from our 
dwelling, yoon after the time of Mr. Marray's 
death. She was a faithful friend, pious, sincere, 
sympathetic, benevolent and active in all .i^-ood 
deeds; she was a faithful steward in the Method- 
ist Church for about eight years. And now her 
two daughters, names are wrote m the (/hurcli 
militant, and we hope to meet in the triumphant 
Church above. And may the companion of that 
sister in Christ, who is now trusting in the 
saving power of his Redeemer, be at last num- 
bered with the faithful, near the throne of Clod 
in glory. And if sister B. should ever look upon 
these lines, she will remember the many times we 
have bowed in unison, before the throne of merf:y 
both in congregations where saints have met, and 
in retirement where none but God could hear, 
those fervent i)rayers we have uttered in l:)ehalf 
of loved ones;, and we have unitedly felt salva- 
tion's current flow, and dr inked of the fountain 
of life, which lifted us far ab )ve the uiu\^st, 
which those feel who know not God. 



2]'> IN( IDKNTS <»F FKONTIKK lAVK. 

All tliin.s?!s of a worldly nature i^ perishing, but 
God is immutable; his words of promise, firm as 
the throne of Deity. 

Since writing the al)()ve lines, I have received 
a letter from the sister just mentioned, a portion 
of which I will here insert. 

Florence, MAmoN Co., Kansas, May 12, l-sTV. 

Dear sister Murray, your very welcome letter 
is at hand. I hope and pray that you may 
enjoy more and more of God's love, and may his 
smile cheer you continually; I know from blest 
experience, that we shall be extremely happy, if 
we trust in Him, and follow closely in the foot- 
steps of our bless(^d Savior; even if we do have 
many things to try. us here; and cannot under- 
stand why we are i)laced just where we are; yet 
if we only trust in Him, we shall come off more 
than conquerers, through Him that has loved us. 
For Ave do know that God's promises were never 
yet broken; and He has said. He will never leave 
or forsake us. 

Sister Murray, I have been so very happy since 
our protracted meeting at Cedar Point, I cannot 
express my happiness. The sweet joy that I feel 
continually, it is a holy joy l^eyond measure. I 
wish all might feel as I do. I want to pray all 
the time. Yes, sister Murray, I know you under- 
stand this, for you have told me your experience, 
in happy days gone by. May our heavenly 
Father ever comfort you witli tlie sweet influence 



PART SECOND. -2] 1 

of His Holy Spirit. May your pathway be illumi- 
nated by His smiles, and if we are not permitted 
to meet again on earth, I trust we shall meet in 
heaven. 

The following lines I respectfully address to 
sister Murray. 

Wlien the sinking sunbeams lie 
On the forest branches higli, 
And tlie hour of prayer draws nigli, 
Remember me. 

When tlu' cares of (hiy are gone, 
And the j)ensive liour steals on, 
And witli my God I am alone, 
1 will remember thee. 
• 

When the quiet moonl)eams bright. 

Tinge the clouds with silvery light, 
-^ May the cross aj)})ear in siglit; 

I lis lovo encompass thee. 

When our (hiys on earth are ore, 
And Ave reach the shining shore; 
There we will shout, and sing Ilis praise 
Through all eternity. 

Makia Bkowx. 



14 



IXCIDENTS OF FKoNTIKK LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXXVI.-MINISTER^S VISIT, A 
NEW DWELLING. 

Brotlier Robert!^, tlie first regular minister that 
ever came up the Cottonwood Valley to proclaim 
the gospel, whom I attended to an appointed lAnre 
of AYorship on Cedar Creek, again visited our 
home on his way to Marion Center, to fill the 
place of a presiding elder. I again accompanied 
him on horse-back, meeting with sister Gibson, 
and other dear friends, whom I may never see 
again, till we shall sing eartli's trials ore. around 
tlie great white throne. 

After Mr. Murray was called to his home on 
high, many cares crowded around me. I labored 
faithfully and diligently that my children might 
be sui)plied with all of earth's comforts. I hired 
the breaking of fifteen acres of land; also more 
fencing made and re-set, and for a while, we 
surely had prosperity. 

The roof of the cabin on our home-stead had 
not been made of durable timber, and was not 
water in-oof : therefore, I felt the necessity of a 
new building; I arranged for lumbar and got it 
on hand; but shingles I could not get without 
going seventy miles, and bringing them in a 
wagon: therefore, I and my son went to Junction 



TART SKf',)Nlv. 1^1 •> 

City, and paid seven dollars a thousand, bringing 
home the required amount. 

The carpenters were employed, business moved 
rapidly, and we soon were occupants of a com- 
fortable lath and plastered dwelling. But in the 
midst of cares, I did not wish to wander from my 
heavenly Father; I desired to live near His 
throne of mercy; I laid my Bible near my couch, 
and immediately after rising, would kneel and 
read words of consolation and comfort. 

For years I had been specially blest, (when 
there was no intruder near) on rising from our 
rest, by going immediately into the open air, and 
worshiping Him Avhose designs and handy work 
is seen in all created things; and while the 
untutored Indian, sees God in the clouds, and 
hears him in the wind, shall modern skeptics 
say there is no Grod, and show a weakness of 
reasoning powers, equal to those heathen who 
say, '"The earth rests upon an ox, and the ox 
stands upon an elephant?'' But there are some 
whose eyes may rest on these pages, who know 
the power of a God of love, and free grace, to 
bless and teach, and guide into all truth: those 
who desire to know his councils. The blessed 
Savior who has magnified the law, and made it 
honorable, reaches down the power of grace, to 
lift us to the skies, and whosoever will accept, 
may receive the elevating knowledge of Divine 
favor. And God has said by the mouth of inspi- 

14-- 



214 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

ration, "In the day thou seekest me with all thy 
heart, I will be found." He has never told us to 
seek His face in vain; His promise is immutable. 
''As the mountains are round about Jeru- 
salem, so the Lord is round about those that 
fear Him.'' As a child would love and fear to 
grieve or disobey a most worthy parent: thus let 
us regard our heavenly Father. 

Those who deep in their inmost souls possess 
this filial fear, are heirs to an immortal crown. 
And He has commanded us to call on Him while 
He may be found;" and those that come unto 
Him, He will in no wise cast out. He is no re- 
specter of persons; He seetli not as man seetli, 
but is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of 
the heart. 



TART SE(<>NI). '215 



CHAPTER LXXVII.-A BROKEN TIE. 
MARY'S DEATH. 

A flitting sunbeam, or a pleasing dream, 

Are quickly past, and we are left to Aveep: 

The rose bud broke by ruthless hands; 

A spring flower faded in an hour. 

And broken ties; and deathlike forms, 

Our hearts must wring with pain; 

But Christ is conqueror over death; 

And God who is the resurrection, and the life, 

Can heal each broken heart, 

And cheer with hope Divine. 

My dear Mary was surely a very lovely, trusty, 
noble child. I taught her to read when she was 
very young: study was ever her delight; she 
boarded away from her own home, and went to 
school about five months, and became acquainted 
with a man of position and influence. She mar- 
ried at the early age of sixteen, and after one 
year of married life, she went to try the realities 
of eternity. 

But oil I the circumstances were painfully— 
heart rending. She said, "Oh mother I know I 
shall die.'' She wished to stay with her lovely 
babe, that was two weeks old at the time of her 



IXriDKXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



death. 81ie said, ''O if I could live just a few 
years; but I know I shall die; I wish I had loved 
(xod more; I am too weak for much; but I can 
look up, and trust in God; all my hope and 
trust is in God now/' 

Sister Gibson and myself bowed by her bed- 
side in prayer, then a smiling heavenly radiance 
lit up her countenance making her seem almost 
angelic. The doctor said she was better; then 
Tier husband said, "O, Mary I am so glad; kiss me, 
my Mary.? Then for the last time, she imprinted 
a kiss on her husband's face. 

Soon we saw the destroyer, death was near. 
She said, '"Bring my babe that I may see it; then 
she said, "T am blind, I cannot see it, hold it 
near.'' She felt its face and arms, then said, 
"That will do." Soon the death rattle commenced; 
she tried to talk, saying, ''Mother, mother, 
mother.'' But her tongue became so useless by 
death, that she could not articulate the words 
she wished to si)eak; and when to all human 
appearance, she had ceased to live, her husband, 
myself and younger daughter, commenced to 
weep aloud. 

Then circumstances of unusual occurrence 
took place. Our Mary whose tongue had seemed 
useless by death, spoke aloud in a pleasant lively 
tone, saying, "What is the matter/ ' Then all was 
silent, and still in death. This was surprise 
indeed, Avliich caused us to remain for some time 
perfectly silent. 



I'ART SKCOM). -JIT 

When Mary had calhHl my name, and could 
not converse for mortification, and death held her 
in its cruel grasp, I >iaid to her, ''Jesus will o-o 
with you, Mary/' And I feel sure with the 
ransomed ones, she doth a smiling* angel stand, 
whispering. Mother, you and my dear child will 
come soon. 

But who can feel as a mother can; and sure 
there never was a more lovely daughter, than my 
own dear Mary. Xature had given her a form of 
perfect loveliness. Her delicate little feet I went 
to Idss, but they had clothed them with habila- 
ments for the grave. 

She had much the features of her father; and 
the same dark hazel eyes. Often I have seen her 
climb^ up on her fathers lap; but now those mor- 
tal frames were still in death. They laid her in 
her coffin, and were about to close the lid for the 
last time, then my impulse of the moment wa-s to 
stop the sextons work, when just as quick as 
whigs of thought, and impressed deep on the 
very soul, these words, "I am the resurrection 
and the life," so cliang\^d my course of action, 
that I spoke aloud, ''Grod can open that coffiin." 

And surely those numbered witli the dead; 
God's power to immortality can bring, for Om- 
nipotent Almighty i)Ower to Him alone belongs. 

The little girl my daughter left, is the image 
of ]wv mother; and now in Marion County, 
Kansas. Seven summers have i)assed over 
her infant head. May the angels of love and pro- 



l!lS IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

tection throw around her their bahiiy wings, and 
guide her securely, and wisely, till she meets her 
dear mother, where death shall never enter, and 
God will wipe away all tears from the faces of the 
ransomed. Surely there is nothing firm but heav- 
en. Christ says : "Set not your affections on things 
on earth, but on things in heaven, where moth and 
rust cannot corrupt, nor thieves l^reak through 
and steal.'' 

Afflictions multiplied, surely surrounded me; 
but God brings us safe through floods, and flames, 
to dwell with those to whom it is given, to be ar- 
rayed in fine linnen, clean and white, at the mar- 
riage supper of the Lamb. Surely they that trust 
in the Lord, shall be as Mount Zion, which can- 
not be removed. 



•ART SEL'OXD. -210 



CHAPTER LXXVIIL-MY CHILDREN'S 
LOSS, A RAILROAD, BOARDERS. ' 

My little son who was ambitious and sensative, 
tlioagli a slender child, had tried to help his moth- 
er in many things, but I let him go from me, 
with the hope of his gaining more education. He 
remained witli his Grand mother one year, and 
. should have prosecuted his studies further, be- 
fore returning. But when he returned, a railroad 
had found its way up our valley, and a rush of 
emigration, was flooding our country, and there 
were many, whose influence was not for the best 
in our land. And the loss, which my children had 
met in the death of their father, wasbitterly felt by 
me, their widowed mother, and more than once 
have I heard deep regret for mistakes of youth, 
and may God throw around such in following 
years. His almighty protection. I and my young- 
est child Martha, struggled with toil and care; she 
took much from my hands, in care of stock, and 
charge of work. Once when I was sick, her 
care of me and all else, caused her a serious illness. 
But time changes things of an earthly nature. 
The busy hiun of enterprise and life saluted our 
ears, and a railroad conductor, Mr. O'Bryen, re- 
quested us to "board sixteen employees, Avhile they 



220 IXCIDKNTS OF FI{(>XTIER I.IFE. 

Avorked two weeks, at grade work/' After a little 
consideration, I entei^ed upon the duties of the 
same. Those persons, we had consented to board- 
were very civil. I read daily from the Bible, in 
their presence, supplicated the l^lessing of al- 
mighty God to rest on all present; and sometimes, 
when I had retired, to anotlier part of the dwell- 
ing, I could hear them reading the Bible. They 
spent every evening in singing very nice religious 
hymns. Two of the young men had been trained 
in the midst of pious surroundings. 

A minister visited us, and we had preaching 
at our dwelling; some persons from a camp in the 
timber near, came to listen, and there was ciuite 
an audience. But near thi-ee weeks passed on- 
ward, and another conductor, Mr. Malady, en- 
tered our home, and requested that twenty-one 
persons, should get their board at our residenc*e, 
while the butments of a railroad l)ridge, was be- 
ing built. I ccmplied with the request, and in 
five weeks cleared one hundred dollars of all ex- 
pences. The stone-masons, and the contractor, 
took (juarters in a part of our dwelling. Mr. Mal- 
ady, who employed the workmen, was a true gen- 
tleman, though a Catholic. One of the masons was 
a Methodist, and one was a Baptist. The common 
work-men ouartered in a temporary l)uilding built 
for the purpose, and just came in for their 
meals. One day a new hand was added, and 
then another. The two new-commers, were look- 
ed ui)on suspiciously by the rest of the hands, and 



TAUT si:<;>NI . --1 

11- 



one ijerson reciuested me, to take charge of sevei 
ty-five dollars, saying, '1 am fearful I will be 
robbed." This I kept for him till the day he left. 
( )ii that day, I handed the roll to him, requesting 
Iiim to count it, which he dM in my presence; he 
then thcanked me for the care of the same. 

The first time one of the last boarders came in 
our dwelling to dine I noticed him speake very 
roughly to the workmen, that were in the room, 
and I resolved to speak to him of his rough 
ways. Accordingly, the next meal time, when he 
commenced to speak wickedly I said, ^'Harry, you 
are the first person that ever said such wicked 
words in my house.'^ Then Harry said, 'T am a 
black sheep,I never was so wicked till I went to 
war; mj mother wets her pillow every night with 
lier tears, on my account." I told him I was sor- 
ry, and hoiked he would reform. Perhaijs my ad- 
vice availed but little, yet one thing I do know. 
Big Harry never said rough words in my hous(^ 
again. But in a short time Martha said, ''Ma, just 
look at our sheep." I looked out, and saw our 
sheep running to the top of a hill near, then back 
on to the roof of a shed that w\as built against the 
foot of the hill; then they would run hack again. 
One large sheep had old clothing fastened around 
his neck, and a heavy old oil cloth tied to one foot. 
I went out to the shed, and when the sheep ran near. 
I re leased the one from his frightful ei pii page. Then 
I went to the house and said, 'T want acanef but 
not seeing one said, "I will go without." Then I 



XCIKENTS OF FKOXTIER LIFE. 



went to the rail road shanty. There was plank 
seating, from the sides of the door, all around the 
inside of the room. This seating was fully ocu- 
pied by the workmen. Big Harry sat in the door. 
The men did not look up: some of them were 
smoking, and not one lifted his eyes from the 
floor, when I stepped near the door and said, 
''What have I done to cause offense^ My sheep 
are easily frightened, and once were gone a long 
time on account of fright— I don't want them 
frightened any more. If I have done anything 
wrong, tell me what it is." Then I turned and 
walked toward our house. Big Harry got ui) 
from his seat and came round, saying, "Mrs. Mur- 
ray, it was not me that done the mischief." But 
one of the masons told me that he saw him do 
it, and that he was in the fault; yet in 
my presence he was ever afterwards quite respect- 
ful. The third morning after. Big Harry and 
Jack were added to our list of boarders, Jack was 
missing; also a beautiful horse belonging to a 
poor laborer that lodged with the masons in oiu- 
chamber. That poor laborer was very small of 
stature, and depended on his beautiful team, to 
help support a wife and seven children. The 
thief had borrowed money, borrowed a revolver, 
got pay for work before it was done, stole our 
saddle and bridle, and left the country. The poor 
lal)orer made what exertions he could to find his 
horse, but failed. 

One day before Jack left, two men drove up. 



PART SK«'()XI). 



came in and requested a meal; it was soon ready, 
and while they dined there was mischief outside 
of our dwelling. The men returned to their wag- 
on that was left near our stable-yard, and not far 
from the railroad shanty. They had left two 
good overcoats, two blankets and a keg of cider 
vinegar on the wagon: all was missing and could 
not be found. The persons who had lost their 
l)roperty gave me their names on paper; and I 
told them I would inform them if I got any trace 
(^f the lost property. Some hours afterward, dur- 
ing the time of labor, our Martha walked up on 
the hill near our house, and loack near a ravine: 
she saw somjething that frightened her. She re- 
turned to the house and said, "There is something 
on the ground; I do not know what it is." Miss 
Raynolds was at our house at the time; she ac- 
companied Martha back, and they returned carry- 
ing two blankets. I showed them tp some of the 
stone masons: they said, 'They are the lost blan- 
kets." I sent word to the ,town of Peabody, the 
owners recovered them, and expressed many 
thanks to us for the same. 

One morning the contractor, Mr Malady, had 
to leave the persons in his employ for a short 
time, for the purpose of drawing their pay. Then 
part of those persons belonging to the shanty, 
thought they would hav(^ a jubilee: they came in 
a crowd to my back door, and on the outside of 
the dwelling they placed seats; and when seated 
commenced to sing. Then they would shout, clap 



-•J4 IXriDHNTS OF FRONTIER llFi:. 

their hands and say, ''Glory hallelujah!" then 
sing again. I said nothing, but merely closed tlie 
door. Soon some one said to them, ''Mr. Malady 
is coming!" then they s.-attered (juickly to their 
own quarters. 

But as we consider the ways of the wicked, 
the language of the inspired apostle Paul meets 
the case in consideration: "Despisest thou the 
riches of His goodness, and forbearance and long- 
^affering, not knowing that the goodness of God 
leadeth thee to repentance; but after thy hard- 
ness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thy- 
self wrath, against the day of Avrath, and revela- 
tion of the righteous judgement of God, who will 
render to every man according to his*deeds." 



I'ART sH;()XI) 



CHAPTER LXXIX.-A TEXAN, RUFFIAX8 
AT NEWTON. 

Mr. Malady paid off his workiiraii, and I heard 
him tell tlie stone masons not to leave my house 
till Eig Harry left. He said, 'T fear Harry might 
do some harm.*' The common workmen left im- 
mediately, r^nd soon every one had taken their de- 
I)artiire. 

TJien Martha and I vrero left alone. Toward 
(n'ening a man drove round near the house and 
alighted. I did not think his api;)earance indicat- 
ed any good; therefore prevented his entering 
the house. He demanded money. I told him, 
"Your horses are going to run off.'' He stepped a 
little toward them, and when he turned again, I 
had taken a strong green stick in hand, which 
was near by, and told him I had no money for 
him, but had many expenses to meet; and if he 
stepped one step toward me, he would be sorry. 
I stood with the stick rais3d; then he said, 'T am 

a Texan, I am a . I can get sins pardoned. 

\Miat are youf' I told him, ''You will find out 
to your sorrow, if you step one step this way." 
Just then his horses started, and ran a little dis- 
tance into a fen:-e — he started after them; then 
after a few thr ritening words, left the pre:nises. 



2-^0 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIEU LIFE. 

God could have worked a miracle for our pro- 
tectiou, but I feel thankful that he gave the nec- 
essary energy, that kept that wicked person from 
crimes of deeper wrong. 

We were a little fearful of his return, and 
vv'ere much on our guard. About three days af- 
terwards he passed our house, partially intoxicat- 
ed, and driving two horses, which he had stolen; 
but he was not seen on our streets afterwards. 

The wicked flee when no one pursueth, and 
the fear of the Lord is to hate evil; yet there are 
s'jme who turn judgement into wormwood, and 
leave off righteousness on the earth; still they 
are commanded to seek Him that made the 
Seven Stars and Orion; and turneth the shadow 
of death into the morning: the Lord, is his name. 

After the rail road had been worked through 
past our home the distance of twenty-five or thir- 
ty miles, there was a delay in the prosecution of 
the work; a town called Newton being for a time 
the termination of the road, it became for that pe- 
riod a rendezvous for the ruffians of society. Men 
were daily shot down on the streets, either for 
the purpose of robbery or hate. Officers were pow- 
erless to suppress the riot and crime, till at last 
soldiers were sent to maintain the peace. I kept 
my front door and windows kicked during the 
day, and had my house closely secured at night. 
We often saw Mexicans, Texans, Negroes and cat- 
tle drovers passing. Therefore we thought care- 
fuUness and preparation for self-defense, was 



I'ART SK('<KNJ). 

both advisable and commendable.' 



*Lone woman cannot be too careful or heroic, in guarding 
lier lionor and rights. A lack in that respect would be no merit. 

There were many persons coming into our 
country, who were destitute of the principles of 
right; and our corn-cribs and chicken-roosts often 
told stories of robbery or depredation. 




15 



'2'2S 



IXCIDENTS OF FKONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXXX.-AN IMPRESSION, A 
SOUND, A SKELETON. 

One afternoon I told Martha, I felt sure 
something was going to be wrong, and requested 
her to secure a young horse near the house, 
saving, 'Tt might be stolen before morning.'^ She 
went and brought the animal near and drove the 
wooden pin to which his rope was fastened, very 
tightly in the ground. 

After committing ourselves into the care of 

Providence, as the shades of a moonlight evening 

were resting on the face of nature, I retired to my 

couch, but not to sleep. Alter a little time, I 

heard the picket that secured the colt, knocked 

out of the ground. I waked Martha and told her 

what I heard. We then went to a window and 

looked out on the baautiful moonlight, and saw 

that the colt was gone. We retired to our couch, 

hit remained for some time talking and thinking 

of what had happened. After remaining for a 

time wcikeful, I heard SDunds like some person 

in distress, and terror. Soon as day dawned, 

:Vlartha and I started up the valley, and saw the 

colt come draging his lariet. 

The grass on the prairie was large and be- 



PART SECUXD. 2-29 



coming dry and soon was burnt off by prairie fire. 
One day I was riding up the valley, and overtook 
a neighbor; he pointed a little from the road, 
saying, ''I found a dead man there yesterday; I 
went to talk with those persons working in that 
stone quarry near, and saw something that 
looked singular; we all went to look, and found 
the frame of a man, still laying in his clothing " 
After hearing this, I rode to the town of Florence 
on the railroad, two miles and a half from our 
house. On my return I went and looked closely 
at the skeleton, a few rods from the road-side. A 
blue checked shirt, a gray coat with one sleeve 
torn off, partially concealing the skeleton; the 
hair of the head still laying by the skull, one 
boot covering a perished limb; a wolf or some- 
thing of the kind had pulled one boot aside. 

After these observations, when I had just 
passed the place where murder had been trans- 
acted, two doctors from the town of Florence, 
arrived and carefully examined the skeleton, 
then placed it, and the clothing with it, in a box, 
and returned to Florence. 

The doctors said, 'The man had been shot in 
the head, and had a blow also that had ])roken 
some of his face bones.'^ Between where the 
skeleton lay and the road-side, was found the 
sleeve that had heen torn from the murdered 
man's coat, his hat and a quilt, was identified as 
belonging to a traveler, who was no doubt return- 
ing in a carriage in which he traveled, but never 



!>.*J0 IN'cn^ENTS OF FRONTIKK LIFE. 

arrived at his home. The clothing and down 
tjfrass must have baen wet and therefore did not 
burn when the prairie grass round was consumed. 

The written word of God declares: 'The dark 
corners of the earth are full of the habitations of 
cruelty;" and ''no murderer hath eternal life 
abiding in him." 8atan w^as a murderer from the 
beginning, and Cain slew his brother, because he 
was more righteous than himself. 

What a happy change would be in this fallen 
world, if the love of God ruled in every heart. 
But oh! what devastation and crime has the 
prince of the powers of darkness accomplished by 
his aofencies. 



TAUT SKIOM). ■2'M 



CHAPTER LXXXI.-TRIALS, HOUSE IN 
FLAMES. 

Trials and afflictions were on every hand. I 
could not always get to Church as formerly on 
account of rheumatic affliction, but when I could 
ride to the place of worship, it was ever esteemed 
a privilege to meet with those who worship God 
in spirit and in truth, and when rising in the 
morning of each day, I opened my Bible and 
bowed before God, asking the Divine teaching of 
God's Holy Spirit and felt the consolations of the 
same. I was afflicted with neuralgia for several 
years, and the circumstances of the death of my 
dear Mary, rested heavily upon my mind. Other 
trials, which I will not mention, but leave with 
God, robbed me of earthly comfort. 

One extremely cold day the wind and snow 
was sweeping round; a man at the gate called out, 
'T am freezing, can I get into the housed' I 
opened the gate, he came in, I made a warm fiiv. 
After he had warmed thoroughly, and wrapped 
well, he started on his journey. Martha was in 
the sitting room knitting. After the traveler had 
left, she called out, "Mother I heard some- 
thing fall in the chamber.'' I supposed it was 
some trifling event, and still continued my 



'Z-rj ' INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

domestic affairs. Sdoii Martha said, ''I hear fire 
cracking and burning — the house is in flames.'' 
Martha carried a ladder to tlie back of the house; 
our well was near. I got water and ascended the 
ladder; I could walk on the roof of the kitchen, 
but could not walk on the roof of the main 
building, and carry water. I dashed water on 
the fire, but it would run and unite again. Mar- 
tha brought water several times, but I soon saw 
there must be a change in our operations; there 
never could have been more rapid work performed, 
than what was accomplished at that time. 

We could not get the ladder up our stairway; 
I set it against the house, ran up stairs, gave the 
sash of a window such a jerk, that the side strip 
which held the sash, broke into three pieces. The 
window being out, I drew the ladder into the 
chamber, shoved it up through the burning roof, 
and mounted upon it, surrounded by consuming 
flames. Martha more rapidly than would scarcely 
be imagined, drew and brought me water. We 
had two buckets, and a half gallon cup. There 
was no human being in the sound of our voice: 
we knew that all depended on our speedy exer- 
tions, and the help of Providence. 

Once some clothing in the chamber was near 
being consumed by flre falling from the burning 
roof. I threw water on them, and hastily turned 
a bed one side, and continued to contend with 
the flames. I said, ''Martha, if we see that we 
cannot extinguish the flames, we will secure those 



PART SECOND. . '233 

things that are most valuable in the dwelling.' 
But we still w^orked on, and I prayed, 't)hl 
heavenly Father, help me; Thou hast helped me 
in days past; Thou canst help now; Thou hast 
promised to help Thy children when they call 
upon Thee; Thy word must stand." While I 
prayed and still battled with the flames, they 
raised less high, and soon were extinguished. 
Then om^ plight was more comical than desira- 
ble, for my hair was down, and hung in icicles; 
my sleeves were wet and frozen. I had taken off 
my shoes to walk on the roof, and my stockings 
were frozen to my feet. Martha had carried 
water up stairs so rapidly, that much of her 
clothing was wet and frozen. But soon comfort 
was restored and real thankfulness to God took 
possession of our minds. 

Grod has said in the 91 Psalm, 15 verse, "Call 
upon me and I will answer." He will be with 
His people in time of trouble, and deliver them. 
His word is truth, and though His children may 
often be surrounded by danger and trials, yet 
God never forgets for .one moment, His lowliest 
child that trusts in Him. 

God often moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform. 

The bud may have a bitter taste, 

Yet sweet will be the flower. 

What we know not now, eternity will reveal. 



-•^^ IKCIDENTS OK FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXXXIL— AN ABSENT SON, 
FREEZING TO DEATH. 

Nearly all the settlers on our side of the 
Cottonwood river, were French people from 
Florence, down the valley for some miles. Sev- 
eral small streams that emptied into the Cotton- 
wood, were settled exclusively by French and 
were mostly Catholics. 

My boy was out near the great bend of the 
Arkansas, or somewhere near the south-west part 
of Kansas, on the buffalo ground nearly three 
months. I heard that several persons had frozen 
to death in that direction, and from some 
accounts I thought most likely, my son had 
shared a similar fate. One of our neighbors was 
brought home dead; he had frozen to death 
while the crossing prairie. His son who was with 
him was so near frozen that he lost part of his 
feet, and all his fingers. 

I heard nothing certain from my boy, and in 
stillness of the night, the clock bell would sound 
as a death knell, speaking of a lost, lost son. One 
evening two young men called, and said, ''We 
are very hungry." I gave them what I had pre- 
pared. They expressed their thanks, and said, 
"If possible in the future, they would be glad to 



TAIir SKCONI). 



reward me for the food I gave them." Then I 
remarked, I had done by them just as I would 
wish others to do by an absent S3n of mhie, for 
whom I felt much solicitude; they looked sorrow- 
ful and left our home, but when all was stillness 
around, and the cheerful sunshine was striving 
to make all nature smile, my boy entered our 
home. He regretted much his absence, and said, 
'•If I had come home and found our house burnt 
down, I would have felt very bad.'' Shall I 
dwell on the many trials that marked my path- 
way? Oh! no, surely not, for all things shall 
work together for good, in regard to those who 
love God. Our light afflictions, which are but for 
a moment work out for us a far more exceeding 
and eternal w^eight of glory. Yet we read that 
the wicked rob the widow and the fatherless. 
Wickedness stalks abroad in the land, to draw 
the young and unsuspected, into the snares of 
Satan. And how many parents' hearts have been 
wrung with anguish, when they have beheld 
dear ones that have been more precious to them 
than their own lives, whom they have taught t:) 
choose the path of piety and peace, by the 
luring smiles of a deceitful world, unconsciously 
drawn near the whirlpool of distruction. 

Dear youth who may these pages read, for the 
sake of your own best interest, in time and 
eternity, like king Solomon, ask God to give 
you wisdom, that your steps in life, may be 
guided thereby. God glveth liberally and up- 



2.36 



INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



braicletli not. May you never have to repent, that 
you have bartered a pure conscience and youth- 
ful advantages, for a mess of pottage. 

Dear youthful friend, ever shun temptation; 
ask help of the strong arm of Omnipotence; keep 
a conscience pure, and ^v^hen this fleeting life is 
ore, may the bright realms of glory, and the 
melody of the ransomed, be yet more increased by 
the addition of your immortal being. 




FART SECOND. '^-V 



CHAPTER LXXXIIL- GRASSHOPPERS, 

LOSSES, A VISIT, OUR RELATIVES, 

A TERRIBLE VISITATION, A 

DYING CHARGE, AN 

ACQUAINTANCE. 

September 14, 1874. 

William Mnrray, thougli a mere youth, ^Yas 
married to Miss Laura Jane Joseph. They 
remained with me much of the time, but the 
^-lummer previous was very dry, and grasshoppers 
had been very destructive. My son had met 
with several losses; our land tax had been very 
extortionary, and I had no income; our stock had 
been sold to pay taxes-, and my family was in 
need of help. A tract of land was s jld at low 
figures, sciuaring all debt, and rendering neces- 
sary assistance. A portion of the price remained 
unpaid till the following year, Febuary, 1875. 

I thought best to visit the home of a brother- 
inlaw, Mr. Hansjn Murray. I started on the 
cars, from Florence, Marion Co., Kansas, taking 
my daughter Martha with me, to visit her uncle, 
aunt and cousins, who resided in Holt Co., 
Missouri. I left my son and his wife in charge 
of our home; and the cars rolled onward, till wa 



:238 IXCIDENTS OF FROXTlEll LIKE, 

arrived at Forbs Station, Holt Co., Missouri. We 
were met, as we stepped from the cars upon the 
platform by Mr. Linville Murray, a cousin to 
Martha, though her senior, and were soon intro- 
duced to his daughter Anna, a lovely young 
lady about the age of Martha, and were by 
them conducted to their residence, where we met 
for the first time with the excellent lady, Mrs. 
Mary Linville Murray, and were soon met l)y 
many other dear friends, and made very welcome 
by all. 

Brother Hanson Murray was lingering on the 
shores of time, while consumption preyed upon 
his vitals. He was the last of five brothers, to 
bid adieu to earth. This brother of my departed 
oampanion, had long been numbered with the 
people of God on earth, and oh! how blessed the 
joyful foretaste of heaven on this side Jordan's 
flood, when God is all and in all to us. Oar 
brother was waiting to join the general assembly. 
and Church of the first bDrn in heaven. His 
numerous family was married, with the exception 
of a younger daughter, and all were trying to 
live, so that they might at last meet their Father 
in the new Jerusale:ii, where affliction and death, 
never can disturb tliB holy joy of the ransomed. 

Prayer meeting was often held in the dwelling 
of the afflicted one, and once when I and my 
daughter were present. Eight of his children, 
four sons and four daughters, and their compan- 
ions, his wife and their grand children were 



PART sEt.'oxi). 2::<> 

present. After the meeting had been diiely 
opened by reading the Word of God, singhig and 
prayer, the brother ready to cross the river of 
death, gave each of his relatives, and the compan- 
ions of his ('hildren, a separate council, and what 
we all considered his dying charge. There was 
iiuich weeping, and deep solemnity; a scene not 
easily forgotten by any present, yet the Father 
remained for some time, waiting and desiring his. 
home in heaven. 

I w^as in that community about five months, 
and took charge of a Sabbath-school class of 
young ladies; and am much indebted to the dif- 
ferent branches of the family of Bro. H. Murray, 
for their kindness to their aunt and cousin, dur- 
ing our stay among them. 

A young man attended meetings and Sabbath- 
s'jIiodI in their community, of piety and promi- 
nence. That young man and Martha, formed an 
ar(|uaintance which was lasting. 

My son wrote for me to come home; his family 
were not in good health. Soon as I (X)uld make 
arrangements for our departure, we complied 
with the request. But ere we left, we learned a 
sad account of one who was a resident of Holt 
Co., and who bore a disfigured appearance. He 
was once seated in a saloon, with three other 
persons. They were all engaged in playing card>i. 
in the time of a thuiid?^:- st )rm; and wh3M the 
lightning flashed vividly, and the thunder rv)ared 
1 )udly, those wickel men blasphemously dar^d 



240 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

the Almighty God, to come and play cardy with 

them. Immediately a current of electricity 

entered the saloon, forced a barrel of whisky 

against the door, and set the whisky on fire. 

Three of the card players were consumed by 

those flames, one broke his way through the 

window, and plunged into the Missouri river, 

whose waters rolled near by; thus extinguishing 

the fire that had kindled upon his person, and 

thus protracted his existence. That poor mortal 

tliought as he had a day of grace yet left, he had 

better prepare to stand before his Judge, and 

break off his sins by righteousness, and his 

iniquities by turning to the Lord. He desired 

the prayers of those who had an interest in a 

throne of grace, and requested that his name 

should be placed on the Church list. 

Though God bears long with the wicked, yet 

the inspired writer tells us in the Book of Divine 

truth, God has bent His bow, and made it ready, 

and judgment against sinners, and justice may 
not long slumber. 

I will here speak of another incident that 
came under our notice, of one who was hardened 
in sin, and dared the God who holds the elements 
in His control, to try the same on him; and soon 
he was laid a blackened corpse on the ground. 

The wicked may say, God will not visit all 
with speedy judgment. Yet, O presume not to 
s'n, but fly quickly to Christ; no longer grieve 
His word. He cries, 

How can I aive Thee up, 

Cr let the lifted thunder dro}). 



•2 41 
1>ART SECOND. 



CHAPTER LXXXIV.-AN ADIEU, KANSAS 
HOME. 

Now let lis look round upon the faces of our 
kind friends, before we start on our journey to 
western Kansas. Martha let us go once more into 
those orchards. The apples hanging there on 
their native stem, you say, is "a curiosity to you. 
in our western country, in those early days, more 
care was taken for the growth of ^vheat or stock 
than for those healthy delicacies of life truit 
surely is among the choice blessings of Provi- 
dence, and no pains should be spared in the culti- 
vation of the same. Those fragrant sweet roses, 
and nice pinks in bloom, how sweet. 

Prairie flowei-s bloom in western lands, une 
sweet ball of flowers with fragrance rare and 
leaves surpassing art, I have seen upon those 
western hills: those flowers^ possessed modest 
worth; their name was sensative. 

Now dear brother, we your home must leave, 
and shortly you a home in heaven will gain, 
which Christ has gone before us to prepare. May 
the dear ones, you leave on this side the valley, 
you are about to enter, be blessed in tme and 
eternity; and may you b3 permitted with ho y 
c ne^ on the shining shore, to sound a more melo- 



242 IN< IDKNTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

dious strain of joy, as each happy traveller 
arrives within the golded gates of the New Jeru- 
silem. 

But I must say to all and each, what to us 
S3ems a long adieu. Mary Linville, and Anna 
standing by your side, your face full of real sin- 
cere kindness; sweet lovely sister, I must say 
farewell. After many good wishes and parting 
words, we found ourselves gliding on toward our 
Kansas home. When there arrived, I met my 
only son and his wife. That evening Grod's 
Word was read within our dwelling, prayer 
ascended in deep sincerity to a throne of mercy. 

Martha held correspondence by letter with 
William A. Parker, of her acquaintance in the 
«tate of Missouri; they were engaged to be mar- 
ried. Time rolled onward. 

William Murray called a son his own; some 
weeks passed, and he moved his family to the 
town of Florence. Poor William; I remember 
you with a mothers sympathy. Your slender 
(Constitution, your many loses; and the serious 
accidents you have met, doth your health affect; 
but oh! the soul is more than all. Jesus waiting 
stands and shows His bleeding hands; he will 
sin«^ forgive, and wash you white as snow. Oh! 
trast in Jesus' name and own His cause; then 
you can sing of a home in heaven, Avhere toil is 
ore, and sorrow never shall come. Oh! do not 
despond, but rise with firmness and manhood. 
Resist all evil in the strengtli of your Redeemer; 



]'ART SKCOND. 



243 



and may God bless you and your companion with 
all things for your greatest good, both spiritual 
and temporal. 




16 



'244 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXXXV.-ALONE AGAIN, HE- 
ROISM, UNCIVILITY. 

Martha and I were again alone, and our cir- 
cnmistances caused Martha to exert herself far 
more than girls generally do. The water in our 
well had failed; I employed two men to dig it 
deeper. Martha loaded and hauled the rook, to 
build the extra wall. Those persons we employed, 
promised they would chop and haul wood, and 
take wheat which I had on hand, as recompense 
for their work, but they did not return. All the 
down wood on our land, had been hauled off 
witlijut our knowing the extent of our loss, until 
I attended Martha to the grove. Then the girl 
with resolute heroism, sharpened her ax, and 
chopped down stately trees, loaded the heavy 
green wood on a wagon, hauled it from the oppo- 
site side of the Cottonwood stream, and chopped 
the wood right size for our stove, when near the 
door. 

Thus throughout the later season of the fall, 
and through the winter, till the latter part of the 
month of February, she got the fuel for our fire. 

In the fall about the latter part of October, 
when Martha and I were all the occupants of our 
home; one moonlight night, about the hour of 



TAKT SECOND. 2 4-') 

eleven, when I wa^ wakeful on my cou(:li, a very 
heavy rap was heard on the door. I hastily waked 
Martha; we rose and placed more garments about 
our person. I stepped near a window, and under 
a curtain, looked out through the moon-beams on 
a portico, and saw two strangers. Martha and I 
thought those persons much out of place. We 
had rods, and each with determination held one. 
The heavy raps continued; we kept silent. 
Soon one said, "You had better open this door; 
you are in their; we saw you when we passed the 
house before night, and this door will be opened 
quick.'' I stepped near the door, and said, "If 
you break this door, you will be sorry; we are 
prepared, and will teach you better manners." 
Then he said, "Our team is sick. We want a 
book, your neighbor C. says you have got in the 
house.'' I said, "We don't open our door at this 
late hour; but if you will stand out away from 
the house that we may see you in the moonlight, 
I will put the book out of the house." Soon as 
this was done, I unlocked a window and dropped 
the book out side; then when one came to pick it 
up, I said, "Don't you never treat lone women so 
very uncivil again. You ought to be ashamed of 
your uncivility. 

They left without reply, and in the morning, 
soon as light of day ai)peared, Martha and I rode 
over to the house of neighbor C. There we found 
the persons who on our portico the night l^efore 
had stood. There were two families present. I 



246 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

told before all in the house, how the young men 
had conducted, and said, "Mr. C, don't you never 
send persons to my house at such an hour. If 
they ever come in such a way again, they will 
repent of their course." 

Mrs. C. told me; "One of the young men will 
lose the chance to wed his bride, if we report to 
the young lady, the ill manners he displayed 
last evening.' 

We hope he learned a lesson, to be remember 
for time to come. 



PART SECOND. 



■2Al 



CHAPTER LXXXVI.-SHE CHANGED HER 
NAME, PATRIMONY. 

Near the close of the month of February, 187?, 
Mr. William Parker came two hundred miles, 
and soon after his arrival at our home, Miss 
Martha A. Murray, changed her name, to that of 
Mrs. Martha A. Parker. 

But as I write, I stop, and out the window 
look upon the pleasant green. The sun looks now, 
with radience bright, from underneath a cloud. 
And nature smiles, while many trees all round, 
full bloom display. The spring time of the year, 
which nature crowns with grace is here; her 
velvet carpet spreads, and like an Eden seems. 

Thus might the young and fair forever see, 
naught but flowers along their path; but cares 
will come. And though our youth may bear 
their part full well. Yet youth as well as aged 
ones, are often made to feel, there is nothing firm 
but heaven. Yet young friend, William Parker: 
you have sought God, and owned His name, 
morning and evening, you look within the sacred 
pages to read God^s holy will; and bow around 
the family altar. Oh! may rays from the eternal 
throne, descend on your devoted souls, made one 
in Christ. 



248 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

Now of my patrimony, let this suffice to say, 
as my children little liad of earthly goods or 
treasures, I did my all of earthly worth on them 
bestow. I have since then thought of Christ, who 
became poor and left His Father's throne above, 
a rich inheritance for us to gain. And if the 
avaricious ones of earth, have wronged, or still 
may wrong my children dear, they will have to 
settle with the judge of all the earth. 

To this subject, I will only add; our home in 
Marion Co., was sold, and now in Osage Co., 
Kansas, my children dwell; with the exception of 
a little grand child, who with her father resides 
in Marion Co. 




PART SK«'<)ND. iMO 



CHAPTER L X X XVII.- AFFLICTIONS, 
CHANGE OF RESIDENCE. 

The Winter and Spring of 1877, found the 
writer of these lines suffering extremely from 
rheumatic affliction in the left arm and shoulder. 

I learned an extent of suffering in that respect, 
wliich I had scarcely imagined. But when the 
warm settled season of the year arrived, God 
blessed the use of means. I recovered strength, 
and through the summer of that year, I walked 
weekly, one and a half miles to the town of 
Melvern, Kansas, where I met with the people of 
God, to worship the Giver of all consolation that 
will stand, by heirs of immortality, amidst the 
changing vicisitudes of life. 

I gladly heard the gospel dispensed, sitting 
under the droppings of the same. The Sabbath- 
school and singing at that place, was interesting. 
And when I heard the children sing, I thought 
of the words of inspiration. 'The kingdoms of 
this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord 
and his Christ." 

Late in the fall of 1877, it seemed Providence 
designed, there sliould be a change in my resi- 
dence. The way was prepared, and bidding my 
son and his wife adieu, accompanied by my 



25(> IXCIDENTS OK FRONTIER LIFE. 

daughter and her companion, I way on the way 
to the cars at Williamsburg. I left Martha at the 
carriage. My son-in-law went into the car, and 
saw me take a seat. He spoke kind words and 
a parting adieu. ''And now dear children 
all, may Christian love forever make its home 
with you, and of each others interests, and health 
take care. And while ambitious to save earthly 
stores, remember heaven." 



I'ART SECOND. 2o I 



CHAPTER LXXXVIIL- WITHIN THE CAR8, 
OBSERVATION. = 

*Cli5ipter 88, was written iii u cur window. 

Now within the cars I am seated. 
My children's forms have faded from my view. 
I feel a weakness, and can scarcely sit erect, 
But must cheer up, and think on brighter 

things- 
Something more than parting. 
The cars slowly moving at the first, 
Then faster, faster, speed the way. 
Through a window now, prairie level see. 
Then rolling lands, vallys and groves. 
Smaller streams, and mighty rivei-s. 
Urge their way to the gulf below. 
But we look and see small elevations rise, 

Then height on height romantic, oft with groves 

adorned. 
Or rocky summits rising clift ore clift, 
And now a city's side, 

Powerful waters rolling by, which have for ages 
flowed. 

Now behold our mighty land, in her autumnal 
dress. 

Dotted ore with enchanted domes, or humbler 

peasant's cot. 



252 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

Within the village, or round the solid city walls, 

Hear the busy active hum of human life. 

The immortal mind, how vast, how great. 

Behold the machinery of our day. 

Employed both in the city and the field. 

The cars adorned oft with beauty. 

Moving swift at his command. 

Who through a microscope might survey the 
stars. 

And tell the revolutions of more worlds than 

ours. 
By the telegraphic line with lightning speed. 
He talks with friends or nations miles away. 
The mind expands, and proves an origin immortal. 
Yet greater still is the Creator, God, 
Who holds the universe within His powerful 

sway. 
But as we fly along, in the rushing cars, 
Let us consider lesser things. 
As we out the window look. 

More less than real, each passing object doth 
appear: 

See fencing, rock, hedge and plank. 

Corn upon a thousand hills, ore many vallys too, 

Great powerful God is Thine. 

Cattle feeding on the plain. 

And the noble horse at large, on pastures fair. 

And stock condemned by Jewish laws, number- 
less enclosed. 

See a mighty oak, stand lone on the plain. 

Wind and storms, have added strength unto its 
growth. 



TART SECOND. 'lo'-i 

Thuis may our souls be more matured for heaven, 
And when all things mortal, from our vision 

fades, 
May our immortal souls have union with the 

Deity, 
And joyful stand within the New Jerusalem. 
And when before the great white throne, 
The congregated millions stand. 
May we behold a smiling Judge in Christ our 

Lord. 
Yet while we linger here below. 
May we follow according to Divine command, 
Whatsoever things are pure and lovely. 
Now of this soliloquy no more. 
At Kansas City, we have arrived. 
Here we take a through ticket for Chicago, 
Enter a sleeping car, and on an easy seat reclined,. 
Swiftly the (-ars rolled on until the dawn of 

day. 



•J54 IKC'IDKNTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER LXXXIX.-A LADY, UNION 
FLAG, PENITENTIARY. 

Then from a Station on the road, a Lady entei- 
ed of kind and tlioughtliil mien, her conversation 
full of intelligence and plans of charity. As we 
passed a Penitentiary, she said: "Look quick, boys 
are there, with whom I have talked about their 
sins, they say "Sabbath breaking, evil companions, 
and strong Drink, have been their ruin.'' I talk- 
ed with them of hope and reformation ; they wept 
like children. One said, he would "ever do the 
right in time to come, and would ask God, (who 
delights to heli) and bless), for aid, through futures 
days.'' Then this angel of mercy said: "Oh! how 
my heart aches for the wandering ones, who are 
drawn into Sin by evil influence." As we passed 
on, I looked on the dusky walls, and saw the 
Union Flag floating in the breeze, and thought: 
'Oh! If there was no sin, how this earth would be 
to an Eden (-hanged," and here we remember a 
young man, who said: "Six years before that time, 
he was shot by one, who was under the influence 
of strong Drink." The wound had caused him 
much affliction and from that period he had been 
a Temperance Lecturer. 



PART SECOND. 



255. 



8in stalks abroad and many victims fall, 

Slain by the Serpents deadly power; 

But let the dying Sinner look to Jesus, 

For he is waiting to bestow the healing balm, 

Which makes the Wounded whole 

And cures the sin-sick Soul. 

When mercy is free, and Jesus' Love so great, 

Why will you turn away. Oh! Sinner come; 

No longer grieve a God of Love, 

And downi to ruin run. 




ii5(5 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XC.-AT MOTHER'S HOME IN 
GOSHEN. 

We now stop at Chicago and get a ticket for the 
place of our destination. On again toward Go- 
shen, Elkhart Co., Indiana, we by an engines pow- 
er are carried, and through God's mercy and pre- 
serving care; when there arrived, my mother and 
a sister I met on the platform. When a few days 
Iiad passed, a brother, whom I had not seen for 
nineteen years, once more I met at my mother's 
home; and while before the Throne of Grace, we 
bowed in prayer, that brother, at the mercy seat, 
talked with God, and thanks were given for fa- 
vours past, and mercy claimed for time to come. 
And at my mother's home, this pleasant Spring of 
1878, 1 have penned these lines, and if beneficial, 
or do entertain, to God alone be all the praise. 



PART; SECOND. 257 



CHAPTER XCL--A JOURNEY. 



A suppLemp:nt. 



When Pioneers in their onward journey hur- 
ried forward, two sisters, with joyous smiles and 
innocent glee, marched side by side, or by turns 
guided the reins of the useful steed, that drew the 
loaded wagons onward. As they tarried at a 
dwelling for rest, a young lady, lovely and refined 
in all her ways, displayed her library, and the con- 
versation was elevating and poetical. But those 
young ladies, whose souls seemed as one for a few 
passing hours, could no more mingle in harmony 
of soul as one. 

The Pioneers passed on to a western home, and 
as they went along the silent stream of Stillwater 
river, not a ruffle on the water, yet it looked forth 
in grandeur, as a noble work of the Creator, God. 
They commented, concerning the placdd stream, 
but a sound broke on their ears. Then behold, 
circling waves, verging to a centre, round and 
round surged the edying waves, whirling, roaring, 
carrying all beneath the tunnel-formed waters. 

The youth's paused, then passed on; but a 
second Whirlpool saluted their wondering gaze. 
Then they smiled to see whatever they saw fit to 
consign to the watery elements; whirl round and 



258 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

round, sink lower and lower, till lost in an un- 
known abyss. 

But "where are those sisters now f' Ah! The 
edying wave of time has surged and whirled the 
rounds of thirty-two annual revolutions; but some 
of those travelers have not yet fathomed the verg- 
ing goal. The oldest of those sisters, who walked 
along the green verdant banks of Stillwater, is the 
writer of this volume.— And in California, meeting 
trials and disappointments, dwells one, whose 
lovely face is pictured on the minds eye, in liga- 
ments, never to be effaced. But if friends meet 
no more on earth, there is a point of time, when 
lost to mortal gaze the faithful soul ascends to 
God. There is a Divine power, far surpassing the 
wisdom of this world, that can lift the child of 
God, from seeming dissolution, to walk the paved 
streets of the New Jerusalem, and bathe in the 
Water of Life, and drink from the crystal foun- 
tain of Salvation and never fading Glory; while 
the boundless waves, shall usher continually, a 
more glorious crowning to the citizens of Zion. 

The elder Pioneer, the father, who battled with 
the trials of life, has by those trials found a more 
speedy exit from earth. That father, who told 
his little girl the first she ever knew of Jesus, is 
at rest, and two noble brothers have met speedy 
exits down the verging waves; and the remains of 
another Pioneer, who passed more westward in 
company with myself, and three little ones, is 
resting beneath the sod in Kansas. Also a most 



PART SECOND. 



251) 



lovely daughter has left the vain scenes of earth. 
But there will be a joyful meeting, when the waves 
of time have whirled their rounds a little longer; 
for truly, a Journey of a day, is a picture of human 
life. 




17 



^60 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 



CHAPTER XCIL-NEW COUNTRY. 

In country new, near bogy roads, ore swampy 
lands, where dense forests have demanded the 
wood-man's ax; pole-bridges have made the trav- 
elers journey, in an early day, more passable; and 
notwithstanding their roughness, they are some- 
times a curiosity. Thirty-two years ere this time, 
when the loaded vehicles of a pioneer rolled over 
a pole-bridge. The bridge shook through the 
whole length of it, which was more than three 
quarters of a mile long; as though there were no 
tera-firma beneath it and was a fair representative 
of any thing, without a solid basis. And a great 
contrast to country, where dry Prairie meets the 
eye of the traveler, skirted with groves and clear 
rolling streams; yet the Creator has formed each 
portion of our America, having its own peculiar 
advantages. 



PART SECOXI*. 261 



CHAPTER XCIII.-THE RECKLESS. 

When I was honored with citizen-ship in my 
Kansas home, a traveler called and I gave him 
food; he was a mere youth, but had wandered 
westward, far from his native roof. He said "in 
a dark corner of the earth, where cruelty and sin 
abounded, men's bones, where he had been, were 
bleeching on the ground." * 

I believe the traveler was honest in his decla- 
ration; he was employed for a time as a laborer 
in Florence, Kansas. 

Again another traveler called, and when a re- 
past was preparing, he said: "I spent last night 
in the new railroad town of Newton; there was 
only a thin partition between my room and a dy- 
ing man, that had been shot in the evening by a 
desparado. The poor mortal, who was about to 
launch into eternity, uttered desperate oaths, as 
long as his fast-ebbing life would permit the words 
to flow. Oh! it was draadt'iil, such as I never 
want to hear again." 

Thus spoke our guest, and I would add: "Let 
me not die the death of the wicked, and let not 
my last days be like theirs." I have heard the reck- 
less boast, that "wicked out-laws, full of nuirder 
and revenge, have died without fear, and when 



-262 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

they knew tliey were mortally wounded, have only 
thought of, and acted out revenge." Oh! how 
dreadful, thus to rush, as it were on Jehovah's 
bucler. No wonder, the ire of a Holy God would 
rest on the wicked, whom he will consume with 
the Spirit of His mouth, and with the lirightness 
of His coming. 'Tor God, out of Christ, is a con- 
suming fire." 

How dreadful for an immortal Being, to have 
the finer sensibilities of nature callous and dead, 
to right and truth. Lost, lost forever, from the 
society of those, who are clothed in fine linnen, 
clean and white, and who follow the Lamb, whith- 
ersoever he goeth; on whose triumphant banner 
will be inscribed: Victory, victory, glory immortal 
to God and the Lamb. 



PART SECOND. -^'^ 



CHAPTt:R XCIV.-VISITING THE SICK. 
RELIGION. 

While walking along the banks of a rolling 
stream, seven wolves, an old one and six nearly 
grown, were started quickly in my path-way and 
skulking hide or swim the stream and on an oasis 
stop. From a fountain I dipped a sparklhig 
draught, and as I homeward turned, saw a wild- 
cat watch me from a bush; but hastening onward, 
found a traveler at my home, who said, "With the 
consumption a lady expects soon to die. She has 
no joy or hope of heaven. No one to tell her 
what to do. Will you please to go and tell her 
what you know of a Christian's hope and heaven. 
She has expressed a wish to see you, and sent 
this request. 

Although the lady lived ten miles away ni 
Marion Center, those miles were quickly passed 
on horse-back: and by the couch of Mrs. C. 
Billings, we talked of Him who wept at the grave 
of Lazarus. The sympathizing friend who loved 
a fallen world, and gave Himself to die, that He 
might lu-ing onv wayward souls, to eternal life ni 
heaven. The afflicted one recovered for a tune, 
and was faithful to her vows. Though now, she 
has gone to brighter realms, to hear the angels 



264 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

►sing, and clothed in garments white, with 
heavenly glorious light. Behold her Lord and 
King. 

I will tell yon of another lady, who lived seven 
miles from my home in Kansas. Once she sent a 
man to tell me to come and see her. I could not 
go that day, but soon went. When I entered her 
dwelling, I found her sick on her bed. Then she 
said, "Why did you not come quick; I thought I 
was going to die, and could not, till I had seen 
you; but now I am better, and shall get well.'' I 
told her if you please we will read a little in my 
Testament, and then we will pray. She assented, 
and when we rose from prayer she said, "You 
don't pray like we do. We pray to the Father, 
Son and Mary. Once when I was sick, a priest 
had me swallow a little God." 

I had more than once lamented this woman's 

dark state of soul, and tried to hold the light of 

truth before her mind. But she thought she 

would get well, and served mammon all she could. 

One day I met her, and she said, "Mrs. Murray, 

the old Boy will get me. I swear; 1 get very mad; 

the old Boy will have me after a little." I told 

her to ask God to help her stop sinning. Then 

she said, '1 keep and image hanging by my bed, 

and look at it very often. I have another in my 

trunk; it is nice, and wrapped with gause. I 

often look to it. You belive your way, and I will 
mine." 

Again we met, and ere she saw me, I heard 



PART SEroxn. 2G5 

such oaths, as I riever before heard a woman 
speak. But when she looked round, she said, 
"The priest has been here, and I will try to be a 
better Catholic." 

Once more we met. Then she said, 'T am 
toiling all the time, and after a while I will have 
to die, and leave the riches I have got; we have 
no children, and who will get what I have accu- 
mulated." I said, Mrs. B., would it not be nice to 
know how long you would live, and make use of 
some of your riches for your comfort at least. 
8he said, "Yes, spend what I have got, and then 
they would say, one big fool at last." 

I left her never .to meet on earth again. But 
in eternity who will be the wise (that shall shine 
as the sun in the kingdom of their Father,) l)ut 
those who trust in a Triune God; the Almighty 
Father, who was in Christ His well beloved Son: 
reconciling a fallen world unto Himself, and the 
Holy Spirit, sent trom God to bring us near to 
Him, before whom the angels bow, while blis^ 
unutterable, each holy being fills. The blessed 
Spirit, the Holy Comforter can cheer His chil- 
dren with sweeter joys than earth can give, even 
though they may be surrounded by floods and 
flames of tribulation. Soon the ArchangeF^ 
trump shall sound, and the echo, "Time shall be 
no longer;" rend the vaulted skies. A smiling 
Judge, most glorious, the ransomed ones shall 
meet. But oh! the text in God's Holy Book, let 
every sinner read, "God out of Christ is a con- 



-0() IXCIDEXTS OF FEONTIER LIFE. 

t:«iiming fire/' God cannot look upon sin, with 
the least degree of allowance: "Therefore let lis 
flee from sin, as from deadly poison, and by true 
and living faith in the Son of God, may our 
souls be made white as the light. Saved now 
and ever filled with all the sweetness of the 
Gospel, sit at the feet of Jesus, and when the 
books are opened at the great day of general 
assizes, our souls shall appear in all the beauty 
and purity of the ransomed. 

C'lirist bids the guilty now draw near; 
Repent, believe, dismiss your fear. 
Hark, hark, what precious words I hear. 
Mercy is free, mercy is free. 

And when the vale of death, I've passed; 
When lodged above the stormy blast, 
I'll sing, while endless ages last. 
Mercy was free, mercy was free. 
Hallelujah I hallelujah I Amen. 



I'AKT SK(C)NI). 



:G7 



•CHAPTER XCV.-THE PRAYER OF FAITH. 

There mas a time of extreme drouth in Kansas. 
It seemed that all vegetation would soon perish 
from the drying rays of mid-summer. Even dews 
failed to refresh the thirsty land. 

The time rolled round for a ciuarterly meeting 
at Cedar Grove, four miles from our dwelling. I 
filled the position of steward, and soon met the 
servants of God, at the place appointed for 
worship. Eld. Rice presided at the meetings. 
Soon after I met him, he remarked, 'Tt appears to 
me that there is not a spark of real piety, for the 
distance of twenty-five miles east of this.'' And 
in a sermon the next Sabbath morning, he re- 
marked, ^There has not one of you been praying 
for rain.^' Then he read from the Bible, "Ask of 
Me the early and latter riin." And after a very 
definite, sound and devout address delivered in 
his own peculiarly solemn and impressive manner, 
the congregation bowed in worship, while the 
elder gave utterance to prayer full of faith and 

power. 

In the afternoon of that day, when persons 
were collecting for service, they were compelled 
to hasten their steps, for abundance of ram 
f^ommenced to fall, and although in the former 



268 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. 

part of the day, not a cloud was seen; yet at the 
close of the afternoon service, the water was 
standing in pools along the side of the street. 
But as we walked from the house of worship, one 
who had no thankful spirit, said, "I don't like 
that preacher; he prayed for rain, and there is 
not rain enough yet." But that night the face of 
nature was in a manner deluged by an unusual 
sweeping rain. The vines and gardens were 
revived, and comfort and nourishment afforded 
to many of the human family. The cause of God 
was honored by His faithful servant, whom God 
saw fit to honor. 

The prophet Elias prayed earnestly that it 
should not rain, and it rained not on the earth 
for the space of three years and six months; and 
he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and 
the earth yielded her increase. 



TART SKCOND. -200 



CHAPTER XCVI.-A GUIDE. 

Children need the care of earthly parents; 
much more we need the presence and help of our 
heavenly Father. 

I will mention an incident for illustration. 
When passing homeward from a place of worship, 
ill company with a child, our rout lay across 
prairie land; suddeiily a mirage appeared before 
us. My child said, "It seems as though we would 
s:)on go into a lake of water: what shall we do.'' 
I ciuieted his fears, telling him, "It is only a 
deceitful mirage, fear not, we are on a well known 
path.'' But not till we could view the groves 
near our home, did the deception pass away. If 
my child had been alone, he would have fled 
from the right path, and wandered from his 
home. And if Jesus does not guide us in the 
journey of life, we will wander in i^aths of sin, 
gain much harm, and lose heaven. But if Jesus 
is with us how cheering the prospect; though 
floods of tribulation lie in our pathway, we shall 
be guided safely and securely beyond the trials of 
a deceitful world. Without Jesus, the soul is 
dark and blind; l)ut with Je-^us for our friend, 
the Holy Spirit our guide, God can fill our souls 
witli joy unspeakable, and full cf olc] y. il ( r i h 



-'0 IXCIDENTS OF FEONTIER LIFE. 

tried like Paul and Silas, who sung praises to 
God in prison. No angels arm had power to 
redeem a lost w^orld. God alone could pay the 
price of our redemption; he saw^ our lost estate, 
and infinite love arranged the plan. 

He left the sliiiniig seats above; 
Entered the grave in mortal flesh, 
And dwelt among the dead. 

Jesus told His followers: ''Lo I am with you 
always, even to the end of the world.'^ The Holy 
Ghost can give power to His servants, and access 
to the heart of the wayward, and solid peace 
and joy to the humble child of God. Jesus has 
conquered death, and if the natural enmity of 
the human heart to God is changed to a fullness 
of heavenly love; so that w^e love God with all 
the soul mind and strength. Then we can say 
triumphantly, 

"Oh death, where is thy sting, 
Oh grave, where is thy victory.'" 

And w^e well might feel, it w-ould be better to 
depart from this mortal life, and put on immor- 
tality dwelling in the effulgence of that unutera- 
ble glory that awaits us. 

I know I am nearing the holy ranks, 

Of friends and kindred dear; 
For I brush the dews on Jordan's banks; 

The crossing must be near. 



TART SECOND. 



271 



Oh! come angel bands; 

Come and around me stand. 
Oh! hear me away on your snowy win<;> 

To my eternal home. 

I've almost gained my heavenly h:)me; 

My spirit loudly sings; 
The holy ones, behold they come; 

I liear the noise of wings. 

Oh! come angel bands, etc. 

Oh! bear my longing heart to llim 

Whe Vded and died for me; 
Whose blood now cleanses fro:n all sin, 

And gives me victory. 

Oh! come ans>:el l)ands, etc. 




ADDITIONAL. 



The aullior of lliis volume was born March 8, 
1826. She was from earliest childhood the subject 
of religious impressions. At the age of nine years, 
her name was placed on the church-list. Jesus 
revealed Himself to her as a glorious Friend and 
Redeemer. Love to Jesus surpassed all earthly 
things in her estimation. Tears of love and joy 
often bedewed her face, while contemplating the 
love of the dear Saviour. The world with its 
allurements strove to draw her in its train, l^ut 
Jesus' love was more powerful and precious. 

When about the age of eighteen, God gave the 
power to believe and confess Jesus, an all sufficient 
Saviour, saving from all sin, sanctifying the soul, 
by faith in the dear Redeemer. From the very 
bottom of her soul she cried: 'T will, I do ]:)elieve" 
and after a little patient waiting and presistent 
faith, God sent the Holy Ghost with sealing pow- 
er, and gave the assurance, that not anything 
should separate her from the love of God in 
Christ Jesus. 

About Ihat lime, God brought mauy of the 
Youth's, who had leen taught by her in school, 



ADDITIONAL. 



278 



to the knowledge of His saving power. Being 
naturally of an extremely retiring disposition, a 
desire to do the will of God, under the influence 
of divine teaching, was the propelling motive, to 
action in the service of her Redeemer. Christ 
was pursecuted and His faithful servants will be 
also, and if the adversary of souls can block the 
wheels of salvation, He is ready for that deed; 
but God will not forsake or forget his little ones. 
God cared for, and watched over Mrs. Murray in 
all afliictions, dangers,. and trials; gave her a mis- 
sionary work to do in the West, made her indeed 
a friend to afflicted ones, who Avere far from the 
aid of physicians; and caused her to promulgate 
the Gospel, for the relief of thirsting, sin sick 

souls. 

She well knew, what mortal sufferings and phy- 
sical weakness meant, and therefore could smy- 
pathize with the afflicted. But God in His wisdom 
saw fit, that worldly treasures and hopes should 
perish; that he might draw his little one nearer 
to Himself, and fulfill all His own good will. 

After a sojourn of eighteen years in.Kansas, 
through the providence of God, Mrs. Murray re- 
turned to Goshen, Indiana; and now, as the eve- 
ning of life is approaching, she waits the directing 
of her heavenly Guide, and shall be watching for 
the brightest star that ever rose in the moral ho- 
rizon, to guide her to the unclouded Light of Im- 
mortal day. 

LoviNA. 



274 ADDITiOXAL 



A DAILY FORM OF COVENANT. 

Blessed Father, loving Jesus, Holy Spirit, I 
give my body and soul into Thy hands, liave Thy 
whole Will on me; use me for Thy glory, and 
never let me grieve Thy spirit. • I Avill be Thine 
every moment and all Thou art is mine; may I be 
Thine forever. I give myself to Thee, give 
Thyself to me. Father, I reverence Thy majesty 
and sink before Thee. Thou art a holy God, I 
submit my all to Thee. I live under Thy inspec- 
tion and wonder at Thy glory. Blessed Jesus, 
Thou art my constant friend and companion. Thou 
art always with me. I can talk to Thee my medi- 
tor; Thou showest me the Father and my soul is. 
filled with what I call glory. Thou takest me out 
and bringest me in. Thou art ever with me ; Thou 
art my continual help. Holy Spirit, Thou art my 
comfortor; I feel from Thy blessed influence a con- 
tinual flame of holy love. I pray by Thy power, 
through Thee I am brought to Jesus, through Je- 
sus I am brought to the Father, and in the Father 
I am lost, swallowed up in what I call glory; and 
1 can say, glory be to the Father, glory be to the 
Son, and glory be to the Holy Spirit. I have 
union with the Trinity, thus: I see the Son 
through the Spirit, I find the Father through the 
Son, and Gcd is my all in all. Amen and Amen. 






i 



